SWIMMING is one of the most popular sports in the world. In the UK alone, there are currently 1151 swimming clubs and 192,765 swimmers registered within the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association).

From 9 years of age, children are able to compete at events throughout the swimming season (September-July).

Within England, there are 8 Regions (NW, NE, E, E Mids, SE, SW, W Mids and London).

There are various competitions run through Clubs throughout the year, however, the main aims for swimmers are County, Regional and National Competitions, with the elite progressing onto International Events.

There are two types of competitive swimming pools; Short Course (25m) and Long Course (50m).

Times achieved by swimmers in the 50m pools are usually slightly slower than those achieved in the 25m pools, this is due to fact that there are less turns, therefore, less momentum gained by the swimmer from pushing off the wall over the same distance.

 

Swimming & Health

Swimming offers physical, mental and social benefits to people of all ages, it is fantastic ‘all round’ sport.

Swimming has excellent aerobic benefits, working the whole body with minimum impact on joints due to the water supporting the body mass and no impact, it is well known to relieve stress, this is due to the body releasing endorphins giving the same effects as Yoga.

Swimming burns between 450-950 calories per hour (depending on pace). It is medically proven to be a great sport for improving the symptoms of asthma.

Many swimmers go on to excel in various other sports due to their increased stamina levels and lung capacity through their swim training, especially long distance running, cycling etc.

Swimming is one of the only sports that can leave you feeling ‘energised’, following a training session, it also increases well being and self confidence.

There are no age limits in swimming, you can enjoy the sport as soon as you learn those first few basic strokes.

Swimming/water therapy is utilised for various reasons, recovery from injuries, assisting the physically handicapped to enable them to gain an enhanced sense of control, more energy & strength to do general day to day activities and as a social activity.

Other than the general health benefits, swimming is an excellent life skill to have, it produces life saving and time management skills (training, school, homework etc).

Also, due to the pool time being limited to clubs, swimmers must learn good time management skills along with commitment, discipline and sportsmanship, which will all benefit them later in life.

 

Clubs & Swimming

Swimming is fun, it is very sociable, and even more so when you become a member of a club.

Clubs are a great way to learn and improve your skills, and many provide opportunities that you wouldn’t imagine!

One club in Accrington, based at Accrington Academy for example; has an excellent Learn to Swim section, after which, swimmers then progress onto either the competitive or fitness paths, whichever they choose.

The competitive section currently has many County, Regional, National and international swimmers and one swimmer who will be competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

They have a Masters section and also a Triathlon section. At the age of 14, swimmers then have the opportunity to give something back to the club by becoming a qualified ‘poolside helper’, they assist in the pool with the Learn To Swim children, assisting with technique and giving them confidence to swim.

From the age of 16, they have the opportunity to become a trained lifeguard or swimming teacher, all very impressive skills to have.

There are further options open to them, too train as an official, timekeeper or competition judge. Also, being part of a club is great fun socially; they have many functions where members can take part, providing everyone with the opportunity to see others away from the pool.

Within East Lancashire, there are many successful swimming clubs; Accrington, Blackburn Centurions, Burnley Bobcats, Burnley Aquatics, Clitheroe Dolphins, Colne, Darwen, Great Harwood Otters, Haslingden, Pioneer 79, all providing varied levels of swimmers.

Burnley Bobcats for example have 15 year old S14 swimmer, Thomas Hamer who will be swimming in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the European Championships in Eindhoven this summer.

Pioneer 79 Swimming Club also have 14 year old Niamh Robinson who will also be travelling to Glasgow to compete at the Commonwealth Games later this month, British Triathlete, Katie Hewison also trains at P79.

It is a known fact in the swimming world, that the North West have some of the fastest swimmers in the country, the qualification times they need to achieve Regional Championships are much tougher than many of the other Regions, in order to reduce the number of entries.

These qualification times are usually changed each year. The strength of swimming within the North West is exceptional, Lancashire have successfully won the National County Team Championships every year; 2002 – 2013, with this year’s competition to take place later this year.

Many of the clubs take part in various competitions throughout the year as a team, for example; Mini League, Micro League, Friendly League, Arena League, Inter-League, this enables the swimmers to compete against each other as a team rather than individually, gaining points on each swim.

These are a great way for the swimmers from opposing clubs to get to know each other and cheer each other on, the atmosphere at these events is electric!

 

Summary

Swimming is a fantastic sport to be involved in, everybody is friendly and it is very sociable, not just for the swimmers themselves, but also for the parents. Whilst the children swim, the parents forge some great friendships.

Many swimmers find it very difficult to give up, once they decide they no longer wish to compete, they quite easily slide over into the Sprint/Fitness groups, where they are able to continue to enjoy their sport to a less intense degree, but still maintain their fitness, good health and friendships.

As an ex swimmer, I thoroughly enjoy all there is about swimming, it is a great environment, the children love it and I would recommend it to anyone! (I’d much rather be sat on a warm poolside on those cold winter days than stood on a sideline in the cold!)

 

Sue Brown (press officer, Pioneer 79 Swimming Club)

Mother of swimmer Niamh Robinson, 14, who is competing for Isle of Man in Commonwealth Games