Pioneering Unity
Pisces convened the first unified Aquatic Development Conference and represented South Africa’s case to FINA, fundamentally transforming swimming in KZN and the nation.
Swimming lessons in Durban
Empowering Swimmers Since 1976
Durban’s premier aquatic academy. Dedicated to aquatic safety, competitive development, and community transformation for 50 years.
1976Founded in Durban
20mHeated pool
~800Learn-to-swim pupils
27Schools served
About Us
Pisces Swimming Academy was born in 1976, in an era of racial laws, political strife, drought and economic depression. Those obstacles became challenges, and they set a “dreamer” on the path to a plan.
The dream: a heated pool where children learn to swim, train, play and splash to their hearts’ content, where parents become friends while the children go through their paces, and where swimming is a way of life.
Today the Academy has a team of instructors led by a Head Coach and serves around twenty pre-primary and seven primary schools, providing transport to and from the pool. Our base in Sydenham offers a 20m heated pool, a spacious entertainment and lecture room, and a reception facility.
We also take learn-to-swim campaigns and instructor training to communities and schools with their own facilities, and to those who previously had no access to aquatic facilities or information. We probably run the most extensive learn-to-swim programme in the country that is co-ordinated by a single club.
A Legacy of Transformation
The Dreamer’s Vision
Founded by Head Coach Eddie Meth, our academy grew from a vision of a heated pool into a community hub where children learn, train, and play safely.
Creating Champions
From the first Black coach with a National Gold Medalist to the first scholar training in the USA, we have a proven track record of nurturing competitive stars.
Pisces “firsts”
- Easlyn Fredericks: first President of the unified Aquatics Association in KwaZulu-Natal and the first woman from the province to serve on the National Olympic Committee of South Africa.
- Eddie Meth: first Black coach with a swimmer winning Gold at National Championship level.
- Merlin Fredericks: first Black swimmer to receive a scholarship to study and train in the USA.
Contribution to transformation
- Made the case for a unified strategy in South African swimming.
- Part of the delegation presenting South Africa’s case to FINA.
- Convened and chaired the first unified Aquatic Development Conference, Kimberley, 1990.
- Eddie Meth joined a delegation studying Australian aquatic development models.
- Eddie served as Assistant Coach to the SA team at the 1995 Pan Pacific Games in Japan.
- Lobbied Swimming South Africa and sponsors to adopt “learn to swim” as a national project.
- Provided South Africa with its first National Aquatic Development Co-ordinator.
After fifteen years of working weekends, Eddie, with the help of parent Tyron Adams, built an aquatic centre the Academy can be proud of. As a community we owe a deep debt of gratitude to Eddie Meth, Head Coach and “Dreamer”, who gave his time, resources, energy and sleep so that our children can have it all. Thank you, Eddie.
In remembrance: Dr Ashok Patel, Dr M.T. Kadwa, Mr Thabo Elias Sekgobela, and the swimmers we farewelled in tragic circumstances. We also thank our parents, well-wishers and sponsors for their generosity over the years.
Programs
From a baby’s first splash to national championships.
Learn to Swim
Our flagship programme for children, taught by experienced instructors in a heated pool. We service pre-primary and primary schools and provide transport to and from the pool.
Babies & Little Ones
Gentle, confidence-building lessons for babies and toddlers, taught by instructors with decades of experience.
Pisces Swimming Club
Our competitive division, affiliated to KwaZulu-Natal Aquatics. Swimmers train at Kings Park Swimming Pool at 05h00 and 16h00, Monday to Friday, all year round.
Beach Training & Surf Safety
During winter, club swimmers move to beach training and surf-safety programmes. The initiative has been extended to township-based clubs.
Instructor Training & Campaigns
We train instructors and run learn-to-swim campaigns wherever there is a willingness to learn and promote the art of survival in water.
Social Swims & Venue Hire
Families visit for social swims on weekends and public holidays. The venue is popular for functions and fundraisers, and has even hosted a pre-Comrades pasta evening.
Looking for current timetables and class availability? Call 031 208 2390 or send us an enquiry.
Our Instructors
Eddie
Head Coach
Directs the entire operation and still teaches the youngsters the tricks of the trade, in charge of the flagship heated base in Keal Road, Sydenham.
“Creating the foundation for experience in stroke technique”
Brenton
Coach
Three-time winner of the KZN Aquatics Coaches Award. Responsible for turning out top-ranked Level 2 and 3 swimmers.
“Just a few more paces and our swimmers will be in the SA Championships”
Iky
Coach
At the Level 1 Championships in Bloemfontein his swimmers captured a bag full of gold, silver and bronze medals.
“Hard work and dedication will make champions”
Pat
Instructor
Three decades of teaching grannies and grandchildren. Every child who passes through the Academy passes through her skilful hands.
Brenda
Instructor
Enjoys teaching children and would love to see her swimmers making top-level competitions.
Rhona
Instructor
Started as a Pisces competitive swimmer, and now shares her love and enthusiasm with children and babies.
Vukani
Instructor & Lifeguard
A qualified lifeguard and competitive swimmer, passing his knowledge on to the next generation of swimmers.
Fees
For information about our fees, please call us on 031 208 2390.
Swimming equipment is available from the Pisces workshop at the pool.
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Tell us a little about your swimmer and we’ll get back to you.
Pisces Swimming Academy
35 Keal Road, Sydenham
Durban, 4091
Tel: 031 208 2390
Fax: 031 209 3689
Email: [email protected]