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The DGSS Story

The Swim School Story

Our journey began in 1995 at Mt Eden Swimming Pool under the guidance of Dean Greenwood himself. Initially focused on producing top competitive swimmers representing NZ, our commitment to excellence led us to develop a comprehensive program catering to swimmers of all ages and abilities, from Babies and Preschoolers to Adults and Competitive Squads.

Driven by a passion for swimming education, we expanded our reach, establishing new sites at Kelston (2004), New Windsor (2006), Massey (2013), and more recently, Northcote and Sunnynook (2019). With growth came the need for positive restructuring in 2019, aimed at enhancing pathways, opportunities, and training for our staff, ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional service.

In our pursuit of providing exceptional customer experiences, we introduced a perpetual program offering year-round swimming, promoting consistency and progression for our students. Simultaneously, we streamlined our booking system to offer greater convenience and transparency for our customers, allowing us to focus on nurturing onsite relationships.

Today, our operation set up includes Area Managers overseeing multiple sites, On-Site Managers dedicated to each facility, supported by Shift Managers and Senior Instructors committed to staff development. At our Head Office situated at Mt Eden Pool, our dedicated team centralises processes, supporting sites to optimise productivity.

Guided by our Executive Team, responsible for managing key portfolio areas such as Human Resources, Instructor & Lifeguard Training, Marketing, I.T., and Health & Safety, we uphold a high standard of training and development for our staff. Our in-house program is accredited to provide a nationally recognised qualification, a testament to our commitment to excellence.

With 29 years of experience under our belt, we're excited about the future of Dean Greenwood Swim School. As we continue to evolve, we remain dedicated to improving our services and leading the aquatic industry forward. Join us on our journey towards excellence, where learning meets fun in an environment designed to maximise potential.

About Dean Greenwood

IMG 1412-546-662 Dean Greenwood embarked on his aquatic journey at the age of 5, plunging into the chilly waters of an outdoor school pool. His father, had been one of the support swimmers for Barry Davenports' famous Cook Strait Crossing so there was a bit of a swimming background in the family. 

His swimming career transitioned to competitive swimming and Surf Life Saving in Wellington before he ventured to Dunedin to train under Duncan Laing. There, Dean secured national titles in swimming and surf lifesaving, representing New Zealand across various aquatic disciplines, including marathon swimming. His competitive endeavours concluded in 1987, leading to a transition into coaching alongside Duncan Laing and later with Hilton Brown in 1989.
 
Despite the initial challenge of coaching former teammates, Dean excelled, nurturing some of New Zealand's notable swimmers in the 1990s. Athletes like Trent Bray and Mark Weldon, under Dean's guidance, represented New Zealand at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Alongside these athletes, other members of Dean's team achieved success at national levels, including Aaron Bidois, who medaled at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta.
 
In 1995, seizing an opportunity to establish his own venture, Dean founded his swim school at the Mt Eden Swimming Pool. Entrusting the role of Head Coach to capable successors, Dean assumed the position of Director, steering the company towards achieving its goals. Dean, now focuses on the company as its director and remains connected to his roots, coaching the adult fitness squad at Kelston Pool on Friday mornings.
 
Dean Greenwood's journey reflects a lifelong dedication to the aquatic industry, shaping athletes and fostering a passion for swimming that extends beyond competition.