Gordon Ellard is the founder of Bangkok Dolphins, a children’s swim school he established in 1997. With a strong background in swimming, Gordon has spent his career helping children develop water confidence and essential swimming skills. Born in a small fishing village in Southern Thailand, he grew up in Bangkok before attending boarding school in the UK. His connection to Thailand has played a key role in his approach to aquatic education.

With over 30 years of experience in baby swimming, Gordon enjoys working with young children, particularly those aged 6 months to 3-year-olds, as he finds their progress and growing confidence in the water especially rewarding. Holding qualifications in both infant swimming and stroke development, he is also a Trainer and Assessor with the Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia (SWIM), SWIM provides accreditation, professional development, and training programs for swimming coaches and teachers to ensure high-quality aquatic education and safety standards.

Recently Gordon co-authored Puggles Swim. Puggles Swim is Australia’s first nationally endorsed learn to swim programme that supports the communication needs of deaf and hard of hearing children.  It has become a leading programme in promoting inclusivity.

As a Swim School Director, Gordon has helped grow Bangkok Dolphins from a small operation with just 10 students to a well-established program. He specialises in swim development, course presentation, lifeguarding instruction, and first aid training. He also works with several schools in Bangkok, advising on their swimming programs and helping to recruit qualified swim instructors.

Bangkok Dolphins is one of the few swim schools accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education, and Gordon remains committed to providing high-quality swimming lessons that build confidence and competence in young swimmers.