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Adelaide’s south is about to get a brand-new place to make a splash, with a brand new family-run swim school opening with inclusive programs, a salt-mineral pool and distinct coastal feel.
South Coast Squids is taking shape as a new learn-to-swim and aquatic fitness centre, created by partners Sophie Wanstall and Todd after several years of planning behind the scenes.
And even before the doors open, locals are already diving it.
Close to 450 swimmers have already enrolled, a response Sophie described as “mind-blowing”.
“We don’t even have a workable pool yet,” Sophie joked.
The new venture brings together Sophie’s years of swimming and teaching experience with a desire to create something that feels genuinely connected to the local community. Rather than a place where families simply arrive, swim and leave, South Coast Squids has been designed to feel more like a neighbourhood hub.
“We want it to be a place of belonging for people.”
And that local and coastal connection runs through the whole concept.
Swimming levels are named after marine species found in South Australian waters, with young swimmers moving through groups including Southern Garfish, Tommy Ruff, King George Whiting and Southern Eagle Ray.
“It just teaches them a little bit more about the coastline, the species in our environment and how to protect the coast as well.”
“We want to connect really heavily with our local surf clubs when it comes to water safety education.”
Even the pool itself is bringing something a little different.
At the centre of the warehouse-style space will be a 16-metre above-ground fibreglass pool surrounded by decking, a style Sophie says is far more commonly seen interstate than in South Australia. The pool will use a salt and mineral-based system rather than liquid chlorine, adding another point of difference for families and swimmers with skin sensitivities.
While South Coast Squids will naturally have plenty on offer for babies and younger swimmers, the programming goes well beyond kids’ lessons.
Adult learn-to-swim classes, lap swimming, walking sessions and aqua fitness will all be part of the mix, with Sophie particularly passionate about helping adults who may never have had the opportunity to learn. Including multicultural adult swimming programs and support for people with aquaphobia.
And with inclusivity being another major part of the vision, South Coast Squids is developing options for children who may need extra support in the water, including those who find traditional group lessons difficult.
Sophie said creating a team with the right character and life experience had been just as important as qualifications. Around 16 instructors are already on the books, some also bringing lived experience as parents of children with additional needs.
Work is continuing across the site, including the pool, decking, electrical systems and surrounding fitout, with the team working towards an open next month.
And after years of planning, the part she is most excited about is finally seeing families flooding the space.
“It’s a really warm space … Even though it’s a big warehouse, it’s got a real community feel to it already.”
With hundreds of swimmers already waiting to take the plunge, South Coast Squids is shaping up to make some serious waves in Adelaide’s south.
South Coast Squids
When: Set to open next month
Where: Hallett Cove
For more info check out their social media.
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