Highlands children have been learning to swim under the supervision of Jan and Paul Stevens-King for generations, but that will all come to an end this Saturday. 

Jan Dee’s was opened in April 1990 by swimming legend Dawn Fraser. 

Since then, “a lot more” than 6000 children have dipped their toes into Jan Dee’s pool and the building itself has undergone four extensions to keep up with demand. 

The swim school was created using style and techniques from right across the world, and Jan painted every single red brick to create the colourful blue and orange centre. 

Jan and Paul, now 77 and 78 respectively, said it had been “a very emotional week”.  

“We’ve been very successful and it’s been a very rewarding 27 years, but it’s time for us to finish up,” Jan said. 

Paul said the hardest part about closing was saying goodbye to the children. 

“We have mums who we taught to swim who brought their babies in when they were ready to learn,” he said. 

“While it is emotional it’s very rewarding, it’s a tremendous pleasure when a little one takes their feet off the floor for the first time and their eyes just light up.” 

When asked about their favourite memories over the years, neither Paul or Jan could pick one in particular. But their strong ties with the community was something they are both very proud of. 

Through fundraising efforts, the couple raised enough to buy Tangara School their first school bus and also worked closely with Clown Doctors. 

“There have been so many special times, from watching children become confident in the pool, presenting Austswim courses and even holding baptisms in the pool,” Jan said. 

“It is a sad time but it’s been great.” 

When Jan Dee’s first opened, it was the only non-council swim school in the shire. 

“People are really sad to see us go but we have been so successful and we’ve met some great people along the way,” Paul said. 

Sadly, the centre will be demolished and a new seniors housing structure will be built on the property. 

“At least the land will be used for something good,” Paul said. 

Both Paul and Jan said a big thank you to the community for the support over the years. 

“We are so very grateful,” Jan said.