The Bay of Islands Amateur Swimming Club was officially formed in 1974 following the completion of the community pool at Bay of Islands College. Driven by a commitment to water safety and skill development, a public meeting led to the establishment of the Club with the vision of teaching efficient swimming and creating a foundation for aquatic sports like water polo, diving, and competitive swimming.

Key community members, including founding coach Myra Larcombe, played an essential role in shaping the Club’s early focus on Learn to Swim (LTS), stroke correction, and lifesaving awards. The first training sessions and carnivals began that same year, and by 1976 the Club had already made a name for itself—winning the Ossie Wright Memorial Shield and being named Top Club in Northland in 1977.

The arrival of coach Tim Bechtel in the mid-70s further boosted performance, introducing structured training and early morning sessions. With a strong team of volunteers and coaches, the Club consistently produced top swimmers who excelled at Northland and national events, setting multiple records and earning numerous titles.

By the late 1970s, the Club had grown significantly in size and reputation, regularly hosting carnivals, supporting public swimming sessions, and developing qualified instructors through the VSS programme.

From humble beginnings, the Bay of Islands Swimming Club has proudly upheld a legacy of community involvement, swimmer development, and competitive success for over 50 years