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Learn-to-Swim
Water safety, confidence and essential swimming foundations for younger and beginner swimmers.
HPS Rebels Swimming Academy
Train.
Swim.Win.
A family-driven swimming academy built on passion, experience and community — from first water confidence to provincial and national competition.
200+Swimmers
3Branches
40+Years Experience
Who We Are
A swimming family with a competitive heart.
Rebels Swimming Academy welcomes swimmers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in an inclusive, supportive environment. Many of the coaches began their own journeys as young swimmers at the club, which reflects the mentorship and family culture that defines Rebels.
Established in the early 2000s by Wim Potgieter with just three swimmers, Rebels has grown into a community of more than 200 swimmers. Over the years, Rebels swimmers have competed at national level, broken records and earned countless medals.
✓Learn-to-swim, beginner strokes, stroke development and competitive squads.
✓Focus on confidence, discipline, water safety, personal growth and performance.
✓Partnerships with schools to develop stronger swimming programmes.
What We Do
Programmes for every stage.
From the first safe splash to high-performance racing, the Rebels pathway helps swimmers progress with structure, care and purpose.
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Stroke Development
Beginner strokes, correction, fitness and progression for swimmers building strong technique.
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Competitive Swimming
Swimming South Africa / NTS Level 1–3 preparation, progressing toward SANJ and SANAT competition with experienced coaches.
Rebels Progress Pathway
Cap tiers that give swimmers something to aim for.
The Rebels cap system follows the Swimming South Africa / NTS level pathway. It gives swimmers a visible goal to work toward — much like belts in martial arts — while keeping progression linked to official gala levels and competitive readiness.
Level 1
White Cap
For swimmers competing at Level 1 galas, building confidence, race skills and strong foundations.
Level 2
Black Cap
For swimmers progressing into Level 2 competition with stronger technique, discipline and training consistency.
Level 3
Gold Cap
For Level 3 swimmers developing speed, endurance and race maturity on the path to higher competition.
SANJ / SANAT
Royal Blue Cap
The top tier for swimmers reaching South African National Juniors, Senior Nationals and South African National Aquatic Championships level.
Earn the cap. Respect the level. Keep moving to the otter side.
Otterly Fast.
Seriously focused.
The otter gives Rebels a fun, memorable club personality — but behind the humour is a serious training culture built on consistency, technique and teamwork.
In the water, the otter represents the magic of swimming: smooth movement, confident ability, playful energy and teamwork. It reminds swimmers to chase mastery without losing joy — to move with the water, trust their training and enjoy the race one way or the otter.
Fluid movementJoyful racingTrust in trainingTeam spirit
Otterly Fast!Would you like my ottergraph?Otter this worldOne way or the otterReach the otter side
Branches & Locations
Facilities
Rebels operates across quality school and training facilities in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Heronbridge College
No 36 on the R114 Nietgedacht, Fourways, Johannesburg, 1747Heated outdoor pool for learn-to-swim, beginner strokes, stroke development and Level 1–3 swimmers.
Johannesburg / FourwaysAffies
Bond St, Clydesdale, Pretoria, 0002Heated outdoor pool for Level 2–3 and South African National Junior Championships swimmers.
Pretoria
DSG St Mary’s
Duxbury Rd, Hillcrest, Pretoria, 0083Heated pool for learn-to-swim, stroke development and Level 1–3 swimmers.
Pretoria / HillcrestMeet the Team
Coaches & staff
A hands-on team of coaches and assistants who guide swimmers from early confidence to race-day readiness.
Wim
Founder and Head CoachWim established Rebels Swimming Academy in the early 2000s, turning a lifelong passion for swimming into a lasting legacy. With more than 40 years of experience, he remains committed to developing swimmers, character and community.
Retha
Learn-to-Swim Director and Public RelationsRetha developed the learn-to-swim programme with a strong focus on water safety, confidence and proper foundations. Many swimmers who started with Retha have progressed to national and international competition.
Jankú
Co-owner and CoachA qualified teacher with more than 10 years of coaching experience, Jankú is a former national-level swimmer who focuses on stroke development, progression and individual needs.
Declan
CoachDeclan began his journey at Rebels as a swimmer and grew into one of the club’s coaches. He works across ages and levels and is known for his adaptable coaching style.
Conrad
CoachConrad started swimming at Rebels as a young child and remained part of the club through his competitive career. Alongside his university studies, he remains a dependable coach.
Talie
CoachTalie specialises in learn-to-swim, beginner strokes and stroke development. Her patient approach helps swimmers build confidence and strong technique early.
Sophie
CoachSophie is a dedicated learn-to-swim coach known for reliability and positive connection with young swimmers. She creates a safe and encouraging environment.
Nellucia
CoachNellucia specialises in learn-to-swim and stroke development, leading the DSG branch programme while also assisting with school swimming and gala support.
Martha
AssistantMartha helps care for younger swimmers and ensures that they safely move between school and the pool. Her reliability and caring nature make her a valued team member.
Rosina
AssistantRosina supports younger swimmers by helping ensure that they are safe, comfortable and cared for throughout their time at the pool.
Ludolph
CoachLudolph specialises in learn-to-swim, stroke development and correction. His lifesaving and national-level background brings strong water-safety knowledge.
Yvonne
AssistantYvonne assists younger swimmers by collecting them from class, helping them get ready, taking them safely to coaches and assisting after lessons.
Gallery
From little otters to race-day Rebels.
A glimpse of training, friendships, coaching moments and the energy around the pool.
Recent Galas
Race-day gallery.
A dedicated upload area for recent gala photos. Add new images to the assets/images/race-day-gallery folder and the gallery grid will arrange and resize them automatically.
Race-Day Gallery
Action in the water
Recent gala highlights showing focus, technique, team spirit and the Rebels cap pathway in motion.
Club Culture
Wear the badge. Join the family.
The Rebels identity lives beyond the pool — blue, yellow, otter energy and a proud sense of belonging.
Ready to join the Rebels?
Submit an enquiry and the team can guide you to the right branch, level and programme.
Website: hpsrebels.co.za
Learn-to-swim
Stroke development
Competitive squads
School swimming support