Olympic champion opens second Ballarat swim school to tackle regional water safety
Shayne Reese's expansion signals confidence in Ballarat's appetite for professional aquatic training and drowning prevention.
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By The Daily Ballarat · Published 26 June 2026 at 7:33 pm · 1 min read ·
Olympic gold medallist Shayne Reese is doubling down on his commitment to Ballarat, according to reports, with a second swim school set to open in the city. The expansion reflects growing demand for professional aquatic instruction in the region and represents a significant vote of confidence in Ballarat's market.
Reese, known for his 'no drown town' pledge, has built his mission around water safety and skill development. With two centres now planned for Ballarat, the swimmer is positioning the city as a serious hub for drowning prevention and competitive swimming development in western Victoria.
The move comes as regional cities increasingly attract entrepreneurs who see opportunity beyond Melbourne. For Ballarat's families and young swimmers, the expansion promises easier access to world-class aquatic coaching without the need to travel to the state capital.