Supporting and enabling the delivery of enjoyable aquatic experiences in a safe and inclusive environment.
Following the successful completion of Stronger Affiliation. It is the perfect time for clubs to go on to achieve the Full SwimMark accreditation. To assist clubs with this process we will be running two SwimMark workshops;
Thursday 17th December 7-8pm
Thursday 7th January 10-11am
If you would like to come along to learn more about the process and the benefits of SwimMark please book a space using the form below.
Please select a valid form
As Swim England launches a new #YourMembershipCounts campaign, chief executive Jane Nickerson pens an open letter to members.
It is in times of adversity that we reflect on the moments that so often quickly pass us by during our hectic lives.
It is only when we are denied the opportunity to engage in something that we take for granted do we truly realise what it means to us – and how we ache to do it once again.
It might be that split second when you’re stood on the blocks and a hush descends around the vibrant pool as the starter declares take your marks.
It could be that blink of an eye when your pin-point shot arrows towards the top corner of the water polo goal before it crashes into the net.
It may the minuscule moment when you leap off the diving board and gracefully glide through the air to the crystal clear water before executing the perfect rip entry.
It is perhaps performing a flawless artistic swimming routine and seeing the hours upon hours of practice finally pay off.
It is only in times of adversity that we unite to become stronger to take on the challenges that have faced us all.
It’s fair to say that 2020 will be forever remembered for the wrong reasons – but there are also so many positives we can take into the new year.
We were there for each other, offering much-needed help and support.
When facilities were closed during the national lockdowns, we came together as one community – one family – to fight for our pools and sports.
I might have been the public face of that campaign but I was being driven on by all 150,000 of you – and that made me determined to gain a successful resolution for us all.
We realise that a number of pools are still closed and some clubs are yet to return to the water so the fight still goes on – and it’s important we maintain our focus and unity in the coming months.
It is your continued membership that will enable us to deliver what we have missed so much over these difficult months – a return to competitions in 2021 and the return of all of you to the water.
I am so proud of our members and our clubs who live and breathe our incredible sports.
As a life member of Coventry SC and someone who uses swimming as my escape, I’ve seen and felt first-hand the challenges that all our clubs and members have faced.
We know there will be trials and tribulations ahead – but we can overcome them as one team.
As the recognised national governing body, we will continue to support our members, our clubs, our swim schools, our coaches, our teachers, our volunteers. You’re our inspiration and we aim to make you proud.
Remember, your membership counts. Every single one of you.
Together we are stronger.
Thank you.
Jane M Nickerson
Date – Sunday 13th December.
With Regional Training opportunities not available at the moment, Swim England are running a National Para-Swimming Pathway Engagement Day online over Zoom. The day is split into two sessions (full timetable is below).
The morning session is designed to engage with all those Para athletes across the country who are not on a National or British Talent Programme. We would also like to invite those category 2 members who have an eligible impairment including hearing impaired athletes. The morning session will include online workshops and a land-based workout with Paralympian, Dave Hill. This opportunity is FREE and should be an informative, fun day for athletes. Coaches are also welcome to attend and observe the workshops if they wish.
The afternoon session is aimed at coaches and club administrators. Again it is FREE and offers opportunities to explore areas such as the development of Para-Swimmers, as well as the pathways / development opportunities that are open to coaches. Club administrators can explore wider Para-Swimming development and how clubs can become more accessible.
*This day is not open to athletes on a National / British Para-Swimming Talent Programme*.
**All athletes under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult throughout.
Booking form can be found at the bottom of this page and will close on Monday 7th December
Meet the team delivering on the day:
Martin Lees – England Para-Swimming Development Manager
Martin can give you an update of opportunities available to clubs to develop their Para-Swimming offering
Carl Cooper – England Para-Swimming Talent Coach
Carl leads on athlete development and can give athletes hints and tips to developing their training and performance as well as an insight into the common traits of successful Para-Swimmers
Tom McManus – England Para-Swimming Talent Coach
Tom leads on coach development and can give coaches hints and tips to developing their programme, whilst exploring some adaptations used with Para-Swimmers
Dave Hill – England Para-Swimming Foundation S&C lead
Dave now works as an Athlete Mentor, is a qualified Swimming Coach and Personal Trainer and is passionate to pass on his knowledge to the next generation. David leads on Strength & Conditioning for the National Para-Swimming Foundation programme and Regional Training, providing a wealth of experience to help develop athletes at all levels.
Timeline of the day
AM – Session Athletes (coaches are welcome and can observe)
| Time | Activity Workshop | Notes |
| 09:30 – 09:45 | Log-In | Please have cameras switched on when joining the meeting and names match the application |
| 09:45 – 10:00 | Welcome | |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | RMAP – workout | Athletes require appropriate clothing and a safe / clear space for physical activity. It is advised to have a water bottle available for hydration throughout. |
| 11:00 – 11:15 | Break | |
| 11:15 – 12:00 | Workshop 1 ‘Introducing the Pillars of Development’ | Athletes may wish to make notes during workshops but slides will be available afterwards. |
| 12:00 – 12:40 | Workshop 2 ‘The importance of the process mind-set’ | |
| 12:40 – 13:00 | Q&A’s Summary Depart | |
PM Session Coaches / Club administrators
| Time | Activity Workshop | Who | Notes |
| 13:45 – 14:00 | Log-In | Coaches / Administrators | Please have cameras switched on when joining the meeting and names match the application |
| 14:00 – 14:15 | Welcome | All | |
| 14:15 – 15:00 | Workshop 1 – Coaching development / Pathways | Coaches | Breakout Room 1 |
| 14:15 – 15:00 | Workshop 2 – Club opportunities and the wider development of Para-Swimming | Administrators | Breakout Room 2 |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Break | ||
| 15:15 – 16:00 | Workshop 3 – The Holistic development of a Para-Swimmer and the Pillars of Development | All | Attendees may wish to make notes during workshops but slides will be available afterwards. |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Q&A – Summary – Depart | All | |
Are you aged between 13 and 17 years and looking for training opportunities to volunteer within aquatics?
This new program aims to:
This new programme is built around 3 key modules linking all disciplines together (Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming and Open Water Swimming). Each module will include an interactive online Zoom session with a number of tasks to be completed at your local club. An interactive electronic log book will help the Young Volunteers to keep track their progress throughout the programme.
Completion of the course is expected to be at the end of June 2021 with those that have completed everything receiving an electronic certificate.
We will be running each module multiple times throughout the advertised month.
There is a small non-refundable fee of £10 which is paid at the time of booking which includes:
Closing date Thursday 3rd December
Please contact Ben McDonald for further information [email protected]
We have organised another workshop designated for Covid-19 club leads. The workshop will cover current Swim England guidance and share good practice. It is also an opportunity for clubs to ask any questions they may have.
Date – Wednesday 28th October
Time – 19:30 – 20:30
Please book onto to Covid-19 lead training by using the form below
Please select a valid form
An ‘exciting new concept’ where swimmers will pit themselves against others from across the country without leaving their home pool has been officially launched by Swim England.
Level X Racing gives club swimmers the opportunity to take part in a series of time-trials using all strokes at varying distances and then submit them to Swim England rankings.
Tom Baster, the chairperson of the Swim England Swimming Leadership Group, said the initial feedback from the pilot events staged had been well received.
He said: “We know our clubs and members that are back in the water have missed taking part in galas and events due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Level X Racing is a fun opportunity for them to practice some racing skills in the absence of those club, county, regional and national events.
“The feedback we have had so far from the test sessions has been extremely encouraging.
“Everyone who has taken part has loved the chance to test themselves against their team-mates and we hope clubs across the country will engage with this exciting new concept.”
The first phase of Level X Racing begins on 23 October with staggered submission times to enable swimmers to build up their training to the longer distance events.
A second phase of the competition will be held in the 2021 in the hope more clubs would be able to take part.
After each distance is completed, the quickest swimmers in each age group will feature in a national leaderboard that will be published across Swim England’s website and social media channels.
For more information please click here.
Swim England has confirmed it is committed to doing everything it can to enable the ‘excellent’ County Age Group Swimming Championships take place in 2021.
However, due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions, it is highly unlikely that these events will be able to take place in their usual January/February time slot.
To that end, Swim England has announced that the normal window will be suspended until later in the year.
An alternative window will now run from late May until 18 July 2021, with a further racing opportunity opening up for counties later in the year so older swimmers sitting exams will be given the chance to participate at an appropriate time.
Following on from successful online workshops run earlier this year, Swim England are running a further two national workshops. Full info below please use the form to book your place
Zoom details will be sent out 24 hours before workshop. Any questions please email Ben McDonald ([email protected]).
Topic: Developing Physical Literacy in Para-Swimmers
Topic: Identifying suitable practices for the development of Para-Swimmers.
Swim England has praised the incredible patience and support of the aquatics community after swimming pools were finally given the green light to start reopening.
Chief executive Jane Nickerson has also vowed that the recognised national governing body will now do everything in its power to support facilities that could be mothballed due to financial hardship.
The Regional Coaches Forum will be leading three weekly sessions from Wednesday 10th June, to discuss with both coaches and Club Chairs the re-entry into the pool.
The meetings will be led by Richard Garfield, Director of Swimming, Guildford City and Ron Philpot, Director of Swimming, Crawley SC.
To book your space please complete the booking form below, meeting links will be sent 24 hours in advance.
The booking form has now closed. If you would like to attend on the 24th June please e-mail [email protected]
A free online course has been created for Swim England members keen to volunteer as a team manager for their aquatic club.
The Team Manager 1 Course is aimed at those who are starting out on their volunteering journey and focuses on single day competitions or camps where there is no overnight stay.
It covers all aquatic disciplines and will be delivered via a two-hour webinar hosted on Zoom on three dates in April.
An aquatics-specific safeguarding course has been created by Swim England which will help members and its workforce meet the new Stronger Affiliation guidelines.
The Swim England Safeguarding CPD has been created by the recognised national governing body’s child safeguarding, qualifications and educator training teams.
Those who complete the qualification will tick off a key element of Stronger Affiliation, which is being introduced to show clubs have the highest standards of safe and effective practice in place.
