A private family swim school on Auckland's North Shore, with more than 40 years' experience, based at 15 Vandeleur Avenue in Birkdale. The school started as Helen's School of Swimming in 1981, and the family are former competitive swimmers. Lessons take place in private learn-to-swim classes at the school's outdoor and indoor pools. The indoor pool is a pool the school has rented since May 2021, in the same avenue as Helen's original pool.
Beginner courses start at age 3, and baby and toddler classes are available for children who still need a parent in the water. Once swimmers are confident in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, they can move to the 20-metre outdoor pool. The school also runs HC Swim Team, a year-round mini squad for young swimmers who want to focus on technique and fitness. The school encourages swimmers to attend twice a week, and says consistency is key. In summer the outdoor and indoor pools are heated to 32°C, and in winter the indoor pool is heated to 33.5°C. Classes run at full capacity, so make-up lessons cannot always be guaranteed, but the school tries to help for longer absences.