Join a Club

Getting Started 

Getting started in swimming is easier than you think. It is a sport for all age groups, skill and fitness levels, and provides many opportunities for those who are in the sport for fun, fitness, recreation and for those who are serious about becoming the best they can be through competition and well structured development pathways. 

Swimming is an excellent way to keep children of all ages active. Physical activity provides your child with many lasting health benefits, including:
• Strong bones and muscles
• Healthy heart, lungs and arteries
• Improved coordination, balance, posture and flexibility
• A reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese
• A reduced risk of later developing heart disease, cancer and diabetes (type 2 diabetes is increasingly being found in adolescents). Source
The sport of swimming also provides participants with valuable life skills such as goal setting, discipline, friendship and belonging, teamwork, and the most obvious benefit, the ability to potentially save one’s own life, or others if difficulties are encountered in an aquatic environment.

Anyone can join a swimming club no matter what fitness or ability level they are currently at. Swimming clubs provide the opportunity for individuals to swim recreationally (for fun and fitness), and/or for those who want to swim competitively to achieve their personal best!

Click here to search for a club near you.

FAQ’s

What will I need to do once I join?
Most clubs will hold regular training sessions for your convenience. Each new member will be assessed based on skill and stamina and then recommended a squad, within the club, to be apart of. New club members are then encouraged to attend these sessions, to improve their technique, endurance and overall swimming ability.
A majority of clubs also run social events and club nights, which provides opportunities to race your fellow club mates, in a fun environment. For those who enjoy competing, there are also a number of State or association conducted meets that allow you to race against other individuals throughout the State and to represent your club, together with your club team.

How Much?
You will be charged a small fee in order to join a swimming club. This will cover the membership to the club, your state registration, insurance and administration expenses. Club fees will vary slightly from club to club and State to State.
New members aged 9-12 will receive a fantastic new ‘Go Swim’ Pack to help them settle into their new club.

What else will I need to pay for?
Goggles are always an ideal purchase for a new swimmer. Goggles help you see clearly under water and protect your eyes from the chlorine in the pool.
The training sessions that the club provides, may also need to be paid for. There is also a small fee for some events to assist with their running, and to raise funds for the club. Remember most clubs are run by volunteers giving up their time.
If you get serious about your swimming, you may like to purchase fins, paddles and a pull buoy to, assist your training. It is always best however to check with your coach regarding the appropriate equipment to use, before purchasing it! Many clubs will supply all the equipment necessary.

What about the winter months?
As with any sport, not practicing swimming, can be detrimental to both one’s skill level and also fitness level. It is important that swimmers continue to practise their skills/technique, regardless of the climate, as this is most beneficial to a swimmer’s development. As a general rule, indoor pools are heated, and therefore if your child is training at an indoor pool, the weather should have a minimal impact on their swimming development.

Staying Involved

There are numerous activities within the club environment that swimmers or parents can do, once settled into the sport of swimming. Some of these include:
1. Join the club’s team of volunteers – Cook the BBQ, maintain equipment, raise money, be a team manager, write the newsletter, join the committee, be a car pool driver and sell programs etc… Most of our clubs are operating thanks to the tireless help of volunteers.
Swimming Australia thanks the hardworking group of volunteers throughout all swimming clubs around Australia.
2. Officiating – Become a Timekeeper, Referee, Starter, or Announcer, to assist your club in running their carnivals. More info
3. Coaching – Swimming Australia, in conjunction with the Australian Swim Coaches and Teachers Association, conducts numerous coaching courses throughout the year. The Bronze Licence course is the club level for swimming coaching and can be completed through your State Swimming Association More Info
4. Competition – There are numerous competitions for swimmers to test themselves against the clock. Information regarding upcoming meets can be found at your club, or through your State Swimming Association. Check with your State Swimming Association for suitable events or click here to see the Swimming Australia Events calendar