Please note, any movement through club lanes and squads is subject to space in the relevant lane/squad, regardless of whether a swimmer meets the requirements to move up.
Our Club swimming focus (for children aged 8-12 years approx) is on balanced development in all four strokes, race skills such as turns and starts, fostering positive attitudes and developing friendships through sport. We encourage children to try to reach their full potential and to take on challenges. Whether or not children choose to swim competitively, all children can expect to develop the skills and attitudes they need to do this. We have diversity in our programmes running social events, special sessions on particular skills and race training events. Senior swimmers are well connected with juniors, providing positive role modelling not only in swimming but also in youth leadership. When children are ready to move to the next stage, they can join competitive swimming squads or fitness training squads.
We currently accept children who can swim 50m Freestyle continuously and are able to swim all four strokes. Children who have completed Learn-to-Swim (LTS) programmes find a transition to swim club much easier than those who have not. Our aim is for everyone to have a positive experience joining swim club. Generally, children are aged 8 years and above. On joining, children can begin competing as soon as they want to. Coaches can advise on how to get started.
The Club hires the entire Tawa pool complex on Monday and Thursday nights. Children enrol in one, or two, 60-minute sessions per week on a Monday or Thursday evening. There is also a 3.30pm session available on a Thursday. Choice of session is dependent on spaces being available in your child's level.
It is a legal requirement for children under the age of nine to have a parent or adult caregiver poolside. We encourage all parents to take the opportunity to watch their children develop, meet other parents and help with setting up and returning equipment.
There is no swimming during school holidays or on public holidays. Swimmers attending the swim sessions need to pay pool entrance; concession tickets are available.
Our Club swimming coaches are volunteers.
If you are interested in having your child assessed, or would like to come and observe a Club session, please contact our Membership Coordinator to arrange a time: membership@swimtawa.org.nz
When ready for more swimming, children progress from Club swimming into Competitive swimming squads, or as they reach College age, they may wish to train with their peer group in the College Swimfit training squad. Over time, training requirements for Competitive swimming increase from 2 sessions per week, up to 9 sessions per week, depending on what level children/teenagers are aiming for. Tawa Swimming Club takes a long term view, seeking to keep members engaged in swimming long-term, so we do not avocate over-training early on.
