Carlile Swimming derives its name from a legend in international swimming, Forbes Carlile MBE MSc. An Olympic coach and athlete in his own right, his accomplishments and contributions as a competitor, coach and researcher were recognised by his admission into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1977. Forbes Carlile's experience and vast knowledge formed the foundation from which Carlile Swimming has grown. Forbes' wife, Ursula, also an Olympic coach, completes the team which has become world famous in modern day aquatics. The Carliles are probably best known for coaching history's most accomplished woman swimmer, Shane Gould. In 1972, at fifteen years of age, Shane held world records simultaneously in the 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 metres Freestyle and the 200m Individual Medley. This feat has never been repeated, nor is it ever expected to be.

The organisation's history dates back to 1944, when Forbes lectured in Human Physiology at the University of Sydney. Carlile Swimming's first major program was started in 1946 at the Palm Beach rock pool, north of Sydney. The early success led to Forbes being appointed Australia's first post war National Olympic Coach for the London Games in 1948.

In the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, he became Australia's first competitor in the five event Modern Pentathlon. In so doing, he became the only person to ever participate first as a coach, then as an athlete, in the Olympics.

Forbes established Australia's first commercial, all level swim school at Drummoyne in 1955. Carlile innovations such as the pace clock, circle swimming and the "shaving down" of swimmers were international firsts. Carlile Swimming continues to grow steadily and expects to be at the forefront of all things related to swimming well into the future.