About

Kings Swim School

Kings Swim School was founded by Todd Mason and Pam Berry-Mason in 1993 and is one of the most highly regarded privately run swim schools in Christchurch.

Their passion for teaching the life skill of swimming is evident from the number of years Todd has been involved in the sport and Pam’s years of service to the education sector.

Todd has been involved with swimming since 1977. He was a National Age Group Coach and one of the 2004 Athens Olympic Swim Team Coaches as well as the Swim Team Manager. Todd has been a “carded coach” through the NZ Academy of Sport, is a SNZ Level Three coach and holds numerous learn to swim certifications.

Pam has 24 years experience as a primary school teacher, ten of those years as an Assistant/Deputy Principal. She has a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning with a Diploma in Educational Management and a Certificate in Small Business. Pam and Todd are both active members of the NZ Swim Teachers and Coaches Association.

All of our staff members are carefully chosen. They are friendly, caring, dedicated, capable, patient and professional – they love working with children.

Our swim teachers and coaches are all trained in the Kings Swim School teaching programme and require a minimum of 20 supervised training hours before they are teaching classes solo.

When you enrol at Kings, you’re not just paying for swimming lessons you are investing in your child being safer in, on and around water!

Originally located at 109 Main South Road, Upper Riccarton, the school relocated to new custom built premises at 218 Main South Road in 2023.

Find out more about our pool facilities

Our Approach

Our state-of-the-art swim facility offers a safe and inviting environment for children to discover the joy of swimming. With experienced and certified instructors, we provide high-quality swim lessons that are both fun and educational. Whether your child is a beginner or looking to refine their skills, our personalised approach ensures they will develop confidence and become proficient swimmers.

Dive into a world of aquatic adventures at
King's Swim School!

Todd Mason

Owner – Head Coach

At King’s Swim School, we are proud to have Todd Mason leading our Kings Swim School and Vikings Squads as Head Coach. With over 10 years of experience teaching children how to swim, Todd brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every lesson. His passion for water safety and commitment to fostering a positive and enjoyable learning environment make him the ideal coach for your child’s swimming journey.

Todd began his swimming career in 1977 as a member of the Tawa Swim Club. He transitioned to coaching in 1990 with the same club and later sought new opportunities, moving to Napier before settling in Christchurch in 1999, where he took on the coaching role at Wharenui Swim Club.

In 2014, Todd established the Vikings Club and took on the role of Head Coach, bringing professionalism and dedication to the team. His extensive experience includes serving as a National Age Group Coach and contributing to the 2004 Athens Olympic Swim Team as both a coach and Swim Team Manager. Todd’s coaching expertise has earned him recognition as a 'carded coach' through the NZ Academy of Sport. He holds a SNZ Level Three coaching certification, along with numerous learn-to-swim accreditations.

Todd’s Career Highlights:

– Coaching Annabelle Carey to the 2004 Athens Olympics 
– Multiple National open and Age Group level Champions 
– Forming Vikings Swim Team in 2013
– Construction of the new pool in 2023
– Domestic Para Coach of the Year Finalist 2024 

Meet our Staff