Poolside Report

Firstly I would like to say well done to all swimmers for a very successful year. The improvement in stroke technique and stamina has been very noticeable on poolside – keep it up.

This has been a very busy year on poolside during which we have seen the development of the clubs training programme, this should ensure that the teaching and coaching we provide the swimmers is both appropriate and progressive, in addition much work is being done behind the scenes by Phil Holpin and Kim Waddup on Swim21. The main change on the wet side has been the introduction of a fourth 2-hour session on a Thursday night at Watford Girls. Overall the session has been a success, although we will be looking at the attendance criteria with the intention of opening it up to a wider audience in the near future.

The club has also seen an influx of several new teachers during the year and on behalf of the club I would like to welcome Jannice Raw, Cathy Wolf, Adrian Edwards, and Richard Henson. Many of you may have noticed a slight restructure on poolside with some of our more experienced teachers moving from widths to lengths this should assist in the development of our swimmers. Also in the summer we will be losing one of our stalwart teachers Allan Macdonald who has finally decided to hang up his fins and spend more time on the golf course. Allan has given nearly ten years service to the club both on the wet and dry side and has been instrumental in steering the club to where we are today. On a more personal note I know the younger swimmers he has taught over the years will sorely miss him. Thanks Allan.   

Can I also take this opportunity to remind all swimmers and parents that the only way you will see improvement is by regular attendance at lessons. Most swimmers have access to two swims a week and should try and make use of them.

And finally my thanks go to all the teachers and committee for their continued support over the last year. I wish all swimmers, teachers and committee all the best for the forthcoming year.

Barry Long

Poolside Manager