Swim school hopes to make waves in Barrie

Getting into the water is a bit of a homecoming for Ross Johnston.

He and wife Lyndi have opened at and hope to teach a new generation of swimmers.

Johnston grew up in Ontario with his mom as a swim instructor.

“I thought it was really neat as a teenager,” he said.

After meeting Lyndi, they moved to the United Kingdom, where they carried on the tradition.

They moved back to Canada two years ago, landing in Barrie.

“I started working at the YMCA with the Barrie Trojans, to learn how it’s done in Canada and we moved to this model — small, private lessons,” Johnston said. “COVID has actually worked to our favour, with people looking for small groups and individual attention.”

The new pool has heated water and mirrors in the floor and ceiling to help swimmers assess their stroke.

“It has two turbines we can switch on or off, so it can be still for babies.”

An aquafit program is starting shortly. Big Splash can also work with physiotherapy patients.

And there’s a separate space for moms and siblings to watch. Prices start around $250 for an eight-session lesson.

For details, visit or call