FAMILY-RUN · MELBOURNE-BORN · ESTABLISHED 1980
A swim school built on care.
For more than four decades, Blue Fin has helped children feel known, encouraged and confident in the water—with the Laidlaw family still at the heart of every lesson.
- MEET MICHELLE & MAIDIE
Two generations. One shared purpose.
Blue Fin is led by mother-and-daughter duo Michelle and Maidie Laidlaw. It is a family story shaped by a lifelong belief that confidence in water changes how children learn, grow and enjoy swimming.
Michelle founded Blue Fin in 1980 and continues to provide the experience, knowledge and values that have shaped the program for more than four decades. Maidie grew up at the swim school and now leads the day-to-day operation and swimming program, with a particular passion for pre-school aquatics and strong stroke development.
That family connection still sits at the heart of Blue Fin today. Maidie is actively involved on pool deck, supporting teachers, knowing families and ensuring the program remains personal, consistent and true to the way Blue Fin has always taught
Established 1980
Generations of local families
Family operated
Owners active on pool deck
Small classes
Personal attention for every child
Experienced team
Qualified, familiar teachers
A personal message from Maidie
Swimming has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Blue Fin was started by my family, and I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up within it. I learnt to swim through Blue Fin, went on to compete at state and national level, and started teaching swimming when I was just 14.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to create our purpose-built home in Port Melbourne and continue the next chapter of Blue Fin, while holding onto the values, teaching philosophy and family feel that have always been at the heart of the swim school.
Now, as a parent myself, I appreciate even more how important swimming can be in a child’s life. We want children to become safe and confident in the water, but also to build confidence, independence and resilience along the way. Most of all, I want children to enjoy coming to swimming, feel proud of their progress and know their teachers genuinely care about them.
I’m also incredibly passionate about our teaching team. I believe a great swim school starts with great people, which is why supporting our teachers and continually improving the way we teach is so important to me.
You’ll often see me around the pool, chatting with families, supporting our team and staying closely involved in the program.
I feel very fortunate to be continuing something my family started more than 45 years ago, and even more fortunate that families trust us to be part of their child’s swimming journey.
I look forward to seeing you around the pool.
- THE BLUE FIN STORY
Built patiently. Grown personally.
What began as one carefully considered swim program has grown into a connected pathway for children and families.
01 · 1980
A program begins
Michelle creates a sequential learn-to-swim program centred on quality teaching, confidence and individual progress.
02 · 1988
The pathway grows
Blue Fin Swimming Club is established, giving swimmers a supportive place to continue developing beyond lessons.
03 · TODAY
The family remains
Michelle and Maidie lead an experienced team while staying closely connected to children, parents and the pool deck.
- LEADERSHIP ON POOL DECK
Present, involved and easy to know.
Blue Fin’s leaders are not removed from the day-to-day experience. They teach, coach, observe, guide the team and talk with families.
That hands-on approach keeps standards consistent and helps each child’s needs stay visible as they progress.
Maidie Laidlaw
Managing Director Blue Fin
Mel Cragg
- Head Coaching – Swimming Club
- Swim School Co-ordinator – Blue Fin Swim School
Christine Macri
- President – Swimming Club
- Team Leader & Pre School Aquatics Co-ordinator – Swim School
- Child Safeguard Officer – Swimming Club & Swim School
Judy C
Receptionist – Swim School
Lila M
Team Leader & Teacher – Swim School
Haley L
Team Leader & Teacher – Swim School
- WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE BLUE FIN
Small by design. Personal by nature.
The difference is felt in the details: familiar faces, thoughtful ratios and a program that gives every swimmer room to be seen.
Smaller classes
Thoughtful ratios help teachers notice the little things, adapt their approach and build trust.
Experienced teachers
Qualified teachers bring skill, patience and continuity, with many familiar faces staying for years.
A proven program
A clear, sequential approach helps swimmers build foundations before moving forward with confidence.
- EVERY CHILD DESERVES TO FEEL SAFE
Care is part of how we teach.
A positive learning environment begins with children feeling secure, respected and understood. Blue Fin’s approach supports different personalities, communication styles and learning needs.
Our team follows Victorian Child Safe Standards and Swimming Australia’s National Integrity Framework, with required qualifications and checks kept current.
START A CONVERSATION
Let’s find the right place to begin.
Tell us a little about your swimmer. Our family-run team will help you understand the program and choose a comfortable next step.
Enquire about lessons
One of our admin team will be in touch.
