Archive for 2020
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Posted by Swim England South West on December 21st 2020
The South West Office is now closed until 4th January 2021, we hope you have an enjoyable Christmas and look forward to working with you in the new year.
SW Water Polo Regional Training Academies
Posted by Swim England South West on December 21st 2020
The South West Water Polo Regional Academy Training sessions for 2021 are soon to return and we are inviting new players to attend.
DBS Lists and Checking
Posted by Swim England South West on December 17th 2020
Swim England receive a number of requests for DBS lists for club, this information is accessible to clubs, find out more in this article.
Return to Competition
Posted by Swim England South West on December 17th 2020
Swim England has created a five-point roadmap outlining a ‘safe and effective’ route to returning to swimming competitions.
Reminder of Insurance Cover
Posted by Swim England South West on December 17th 2020
We have already seen and heard of many clubs across the country moving their club activity back online in the current lockdown period. As a Club Secretary of a Swim England affiliated club, we wanted remind you what you need to do to ensure that your club insurance covers you for this activity.
SW Para Athlete Shortlisted for British Swimming Award
Posted by Swim England South West on December 9th 2020
Congratulations to Reece Dunn from Plymouth Leander who has been shortlisted for a British Swimming Award.
Seagulls Swim Club in Dorset Crowdfunding Adventures
Posted by Swim England South West on November 30th 2020
After Sport England announcing a £16.5mil Return to Play fun Seagulls SC in Dorset aimed to raise £7.5k in one month with a bonus of 50% match funding from Sport England provided the club reached 25% of their target, Chair David McWilliam took on a 96 mile bike challenge to visit all the home pools of Dorset Clubs.
Regional Event/Meet Manager Vacancy
Posted by Swim England South West on November 26th 2020
The South West Region is looking to recruit a volunteer to undertake the role of the Event/Meet Manager role for our regional events.
National Para Swimming Pathway Engagement Day
Posted by Swim England South West on November 25th 2020
Join the England Para - Swimming Talent Team for a FREE, fun day of workshops and activities, designed to help athletes, coaches and parents / guardians gain valuable information about the development of Para-athletes.
The National Arena Junior Swimming League Announce a New Opportunity
Posted by Swim England South West on November 12th 2020
New and exciting opportunity for all clubs in the UK and Ireland Owing to the present Covid 19 situation, for 2021 each club will take part in this competition, in their own pool, during their training sessions, for three rounds, and the results will be fed into a national league table.
Diving Updates
Posted by Swim England South West on November 11th 2020
National updates for the diving community to include lockdown live workouts and fundraising support.
GB Masters Return to Racing Survey
Posted by Swim England South West on November 5th 2020
Each year one of the Home Countries host the GB Masters LC Championship. As you will be aware 2020 had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. Next year, 2021, the event is due to be hosted by Scottish Swimming. Each year the timing of the event is arranged in line with international Masters events such as the Europeans or the Worlds. COVID-19 permitting, the European Masters Championships in Budapest is scheduled for May 2021 and to enable preparation for that event, the GB Masters LC would typically be held in April. However, given the current uncertainty and the ever changing current situation, we have had to make the difficult decision that a ‘normal' GB Masters LC will not be possible and we are reviewing the options.
Swim England determined to fight for swift reopening as lockdown rules confirmed
Posted by Swim England South West on November 5th 2020
Swim England has expressed its sadness and a determination to fight for a swift reopening for pools after the Government confirmed only school swimming lessons can take place in the second national lockdown. All public and private pools have been forced to close until at least Wednesday 2 December as part of the restrictions introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Level X Racing Officially Launched!
Posted by Swim England South West on October 28th 2020
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.
SW Coach Shortlisted for Prestigious UK Coaching Award
Posted by Swim England South West on October 28th 2020
Congratulations to Coach Emma Collings-Barnes from Mount Kelly Swimming who has been shortlisted for the UK Coaching Talent Development Coach of the Year.
Return to Competition Road Map
Posted by Swim England South West on October 28th 2020
Swim England has created a five-point roadmap outlining a ‘safe and effective’ route to returning to swimming competitions.
Para Swimming National Coach Development Programmes
Posted by Swim England South West on October 7th 2020
The National programmes provide coaches with an opportunity to learn and further develop their coaching skills to enhance their knowledge and experience of working with Para-Swimmers. The National programmes will provide support to coaches working with Para-Swimmers and are centred on the pillars of athlete development and coaching behaviours. Leading experts in Para-Swimming will deliver and support the programmes.
Some Sad News in the Region
Posted by Swim England South West on September 9th 2020
It is with sadness we have to inform you of the passing of Julia Airlie who was a Regional Past President in 2011 and an Official who supported her club, county and Region at events all over the country.
Forums Coming up Next Week
Posted by Swim England South West on July 17th 2020
As a Region we are providing as many opportunities to communicate and discuss how things are going during this uncertain period. We have a COVID lead session and a coach forum this week.
Newton Abbot Swimming & Water Polo Club are Seeking a Head Coach
Posted by Swim England South West on July 17th 2020
Newton Abbot Swimming and Water Polo Club is a successful club with swimmers ranging from Stage 1 of the Swim England Learn to Swim framework progressing through to County, Regional and occasional National competitors. Our thriving water polo section has teams of all ages competing in Local, County, Regional and National competitions. We are seeking a dedicated Head Coach, who seeks to uphold the ambitions of the club and its swimmers, to lead our coaching programme. This is an opportunity for a new Head Coach to build on our current achievements and guide the future direction of the Club.
Para-Swimming Workshops
Posted by Swim England South West on July 8th 2020
We are holding a number of Para-swimming workshops which will be targeted at either parents & athletes or Coaches.
July Volunteer of the Month
Posted by Swim England South West on July 1st 2020
Congratulations to Lily Webster who is our July Volunteer of the Month.
Returning to Pools Guidance and Training
Posted on June 18th 2020
Swim England has published its comprehensive Returning to the Pool guidance.
Returning to Pools guidance document
Posted by Swim England South West on June 15th 2020
Swim England has published its comprehensive Return to Pools Guidance ahead of the Government easing the current lockdown measures. Five detailed documents have been created and are based on the latest scientific advice and Government guidelines. The guidance includes robust recommendations for operators, casual swimmers, lane swimming, family-fun sessions, club activity, teachers and those attending swimming lessons.
New voluntary roles will have ‘positive impact’ on future of Masters swimming
Posted on June 9th 2020
Four key voluntary roles that will have a positive impact on the future of Masters swimming have been advertised by Swim England.
Swim England update guidance after lockdown restrictions eased
Posted on June 9th 2020
Swim England has issued new recommendations on land training and open water club activity after the coronavirus lockdown was eased by the Government.
Swim England CEO updates members on current position.
Posted by Swim England South West on June 5th 2020
Swim England CEO Jane Nickerson updates on reopening guidance, national media and why a trip to the pool will be very different
Swim England Assistant Water Polo Coach Blended Learning Course
Posted by Swim England South West on June 5th 2020
Government guidance means our leisure centres are currently closed; but this does not mean our training and qualifications should stop. We have specifically adapted this course to make sure everyone has the opportunity to start their training.
Diving National Update
Posted by Swim England South West on June 3rd 2020
During this time Swim England are providing updates for the Region, the latest one can now be found on the diving page.
Swimming Leadership Group Update regarding Licenced Meets
Posted by Swim England South West on June 1st 2020
As we are sure you are aware, on Wednesday 27th May Swim England issued a statement cancelling all national events scheduled to take place in latter part of 2020.
Swim England announces all remaining national events in 2020 are cancelled
Posted on May 27th 2020
Swim England has announced all its remaining national events in 2020 have now been cancelled.
Swim England announces when guidance for reopening pools will be published
Posted on May 22nd 2020
Robust guidance to help the aquatics sector prepare for the reopening of pools will be released by Swim England on Monday 15 June.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek Offers and Webinars
Posted on May 22nd 2020
To support Mental Health Awareness Week, we've released a free Mental Wellness e-learning and a new set of webinars on Mental Toughness.
Swim England update on work to ensure a safe return to the water dated 14.05.2020
Posted by Swim England South West on May 15th 2020
Chief executive Jane Nickerson gives an update on the work Swim England is doing to ensure a safe return to the water for our clubs and members.
Swim England Statement regarding Open Water dated 11.05.2020
Posted by Swim England South West on May 13th 2020
Swim England have released a statement following the Prime Minister's announcement regarding Open Water swimming.
Swimathon Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund
Posted by Swim England South West on May 7th 2020
The Swimathon Foundation have introduced a COVID-19 Relief Fund offering grants and funding to small organisations working in the swimming and aquatic community in the UK.
Swim England Call on Government for Financial Support
Posted by Swim England South West on May 7th 2020
Swim England is calling on the Government to help prevent hundreds of swimming pools being mothballed due to the coronavirus lockdown. The recognised national governing body fears potentially up to 10 per cent of England’s 5,000 swimming pools will stay shut even after restrictions are eased by Government.
Regional Safeguarding Courses
Posted by Swim England South West on May 6th 2020
As a commitment to our volunteers the Region are running a number of online Safeguarding Courses throughout April and May.
May Volunteer of the Month
Posted by Swim England South West on May 1st 2020
Congratulations to Christine Merrifield who is our MayVolunteer of the Month.
Uploading Safeguarding Certificates
Posted by Swim England South West on April 29th 2020
For both SwimMark and Strong Affiliation processes some members need to submit evidence of completing a Safeguarding workshop, this process has now been made easier and those that need to can upload their certificate through the OMS system.
2019 Annual Report
Posted by Swim England South West on April 28th 2020
The Region are pleased to announce their 2019 Annual Report
Some Sad News in the Region
Posted by Swim England South West on April 24th 2020
It is with sadness we have to inform you of the passing of Ian Stuart who was a Regional Past President in 2016 and the Chairman of the Synchro committee.
Swim England is Temporarily Stopping the Issuing of Licences
Posted by Swim England South West on April 24th 2020
Swim England is to temporarily stop issuing licences for swimming competitions across the country.
South West Swimmer of the Year
Posted by Swim England South West on April 17th 2020
The region would like to announce that Reece Dunn from Plymouth Leander is our South West Swimmer of the Year.
IOS Training and Development Support
Posted by Swim England South West on April 14th 2020
Over the coming weeks the Institute of Swimming (IOS) are providing online opportunities to keep in touch, expand your knowledge and start some qualifications.
Swim England Club Toolkit Released
Posted by Swim England South West on April 14th 2020
Swim England have released a Club Toolkit which will help clubs during this uncertain COVID-19 period.
NEW Swim England Safeguarding
Posted by Swim England South West on April 7th 2020
An aquatics-specific safeguarding course has been created by Swim England which will help members and its workforce meet the new Stronger Affiliation guidelines.
April Volunteer of the Month
Posted by Swim England South West on April 1st 2020
Congratulations to Phil Brake who is our April Volunteer of the Month.
Sport England Announce Financial Package for Sport and Physical Activity
Posted by Swim England South West on March 31st 2020
As the country deals with coronavirus (Covid-19), we know sport and physical activity organisations are facing a hugely difficult period of time. Sport England are making up to £195 million of funding available to help the sport and physical activity sector through the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
Online Safeguarding Courses
Posted by Swim England South West on March 31st 2020
We have confirmed some online safeguarding courses which will be available this month.
Open Water Championships 2020
Posted by Swim England South West on March 26th 2020
It is with great regret that the South West Open Water Committee has taken the decision to cancel this year’s Open Water Championships.
Criteria for land work at home during the Coronavirus outbreak
Posted by Swim England South West on March 25th 2020
The current situation is unprecedented and challenges us to find ways to keep our members active and training whilst respecting government guidance around social distancing etc. One clear opportunity is to undertake online delivery of activity from the coach to the athlete(s) either via live connection, recorded content or social media interaction.
Cancellations of the National Summer Meet
Posted by Swim England South West on March 25th 2020
Swim England ‘reluctantly’ cancels the National Summer Meet due to coronavirus outbreak.
Swim England - Support Package
Posted by Swim England South West on March 24th 2020
Swim England are planning on providing a support package going forwards during this period of time.
Swim England/Institute of Swimming Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs
Posted by Swim England South West on March 20th 2020
Swim England/Institute of Swimming Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs
Wavepower 2020 - 2023
Posted by Swim England South West on March 20th 2020
Swim England have released a new Wavepower document for 2020 - 2023
Time To Listen delivery during the current Covid-19 pandemic
Posted by Swim England South West on March 19th 2020
Following several queries about the future of the Time To Listen course in the light of government guidance around Covid-19. NSPCC have cancelled or postponed all our training for the foreseeable future
Swim England clarifies reasoning over Coronavirus advice
Posted by Swim England South West on March 19th 2020
The chief executive of Swim England has clarified why clubs and swim schools have only been advised to cancel activities during the coronavirus outbreak rather than being told to stop.
Qualifying window for the domestic summer meets update.
Posted by Swim England South West on March 18th 2020
Further to the British Swimming Communication yesterday (link) stating that British Swimming and the Home Nations have decided to suspend the published Qualifying Window dates and process with immediate effect, British Swimming are now in a position to provide further advice on the updated invited process for the summer meets.
Update from Swim England regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Posted by Swim England South West on March 18th 2020
On Tuesday 17th March Swim England updated their advice regarding guidance for members during this Coronavirus outbreak.
Latest update from the South West Region
Posted by Swim England South West on March 17th 2020
Swim England South West Regional update regarding Regional Events.
Latest advice & guidelines for COVID - 19
Posted by Swim England South West on March 17th 2020
Swim England latest advice and guidlines for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) regarding events.
City of Bristol Artistic Swimming recent success
Posted by Swim England South West on March 13th 2020
City of Bristol were victorious at the England Synchronised Swimming National Age Group Championships in Manchester winning 13/ 15 free team gold medal. As well as this, Great Britain’s artistic swimmers have proved they are ‘on the up’ after winning another silver medal at the FINA World Series in Paris.
URGENT UPDATE - Coaches Conference
Posted by Swim England South West on March 13th 2020
Coaches Conference (14th March) has unfortunately been postponed. This is due to the current situation with the Covid - 19 and illness, a large proportion of the delivery team are unable to attend, hence we have had no alternative to postpone the conference until late May to mid June.
Regional Swimming Champs 2020 Merchandise
Posted by Swim England South West on March 12th 2020
The Regional Swimming merchandise including t shits, hats and hoodies are now available to order online from our merchandise provider Swimpath.
2018/2019 Regional President Swimathon Challenge
Posted by Swim England South West on March 12th 2020
The 2018/2019 Regional President Bob Holman is swimming 5km in Dorchester Leisure Centre on Sunday 29th March to raise money for Marie Curie and Cancer Research UK.
Team Bath AS to Host Safeguarding & Protecting Children Course
Posted by Swim England South West on March 2nd 2020
Team Bath AS has organised a Safeguarding and Protecting Children Course with UK Coaching (SportsCoach UK) presented by tutor Kevin West. It is at a reduced price.
Swim England’s Value of Swimming Research
Posted by Swim England South West on March 2nd 2020
Do you love your club? Swim England are looking to build on their Value of Swimming research and gain more understanding around the social value of being part of a club. Find out more and complete the relevant survey to be in with a chance of winning some rewards, which will help secure more support and resources for your club - bit.ly/ValueOfClubSwimming
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance
Posted by Swim England South West on February 28th 2020
Latest information regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Lisbon Success
Posted by Swim England South West on February 26th 2020
The Lisbon International meet proved to be an ideal competition for the Region’s 2020 overseas camp. The team won 18 medals altogether and brought home the Top Team Trophy.
Another Successful Coaching Course from Team Bath AS
Posted by Swim England South West on February 11th 2020
While Somerset County Championships were in full swing, Team Bath AS was also helping Swim England South West and the Institute of Swimming run a Swim England Coaching Swimming Assistant course from it’s training base at the University of Bath.
Swimming Committee Swimmer of the Year
Posted by Swim England South West on February 11th 2020
The Swimming Committee have recently selected their Swimmer of the Year for the South West Region.
Para Training Day - 23rd February
Posted by Swim England South West on February 7th 2020
The Region will be holding a Para Training Day on 23rd February 2020 at Mount Kelly.
Everyone Active - Sporting Champions
Posted by Swim England South West on February 5th 2020
Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions provides funding and support for talented athletes from across the UK. Launched in 2016 and supported by one of the country’s most recognised sporting talents, Colin Jackson CBE, the scheme has already helped many athletes on their journey to become a national and international sporting success.
Synchronised Swimming Judge Training Level 1
Posted by Swim England South West on February 4th 2020
Swim England are holding Synchronised Swimming Judge Level 1 Training in Bristol on 29th February.
Call for Officials for 2020 Regional Events
Posted by Swim England South West on February 4th 2020
The South West Region are calling for Officials who can help with the 2020 Regional events.
GLL Sport Foundation helps athletes go for gold in 2020
Posted by Swim England South West on February 3rd 2020
Ahead of a huge year of UK and World sport in 2020, the next generation of title-chasing aquatic athletes can apply for support in going for gold in the big events next year, thanks to the GLL Sport Foundation, the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme.
February Volunteer of the Month
Posted by Swim England South West on February 1st 2020
Congratulations to Neil Harper & Paul Sartain who is our February Volunteer of the Month.
Regional Safeguarding Workshop
Posted by Swim England South West on January 29th 2020
The Region will be running a Safeguarding Workshop on 29th February at the Regional Offices, Wellington.
3 South West Swimming Coaches selected for the UK Coaching Programme
Posted by Swim England South West on January 28th 2020
A record number of seven swimming coaches have been selected for UK Coaching’s Performance Foundation Coach Support Programme. Three of these are from the South West Region; Greg King – Lamb (Mount Kelly), Rachel Aldington (Millfield) and Roberto Pavoni (Plymouth Leander).
Water Polo Coach selected for the UK Coaching Programme
Posted by Swim England South West on January 28th 2020
Simon Tomlinson says he hopes to fulfil his ‘passion’ for water polo after being selected for UK Coaching’s Performance Foundation Coach Support Programme. After enjoying a successful playing career at national and international level, Simon turned to coaching when his two daughters joined Taunton Deane.
Launch of the J1 Officials Online Training
Posted by Swim England South West on January 27th 2020
Exciting news, the Officials J1 online training is launched today - 27th January. There are two SW documents one aimed at our referees and officials coordinators and the other for prospective candidates on how to access a SW funded voucher. To find these documents, please go to Clubs/Training/Judge 1 New Process or click below.
Applications are now open for Regional Skills Coaches
Posted by Swim England South West on January 23rd 2020
The South West Region would like to invite coaches to express their interest in becoming one of our 2020 Skills Coaches.
Swim England Fund Team Bath AS Talent ID Day
Posted by Swim England South West on January 22nd 2020
Team Bath AS has been awarded funding from the Swim England to run a Talent ID program for swimmers in the Bath Area.
Bookings now Open for the 2020 Regional Coaches Conference
Posted by Swim England South West on January 22nd 2020
The Region will be running their annual Coaches Conference 14th March 2020 at the Holiday Inn in Taunton. The day will include various workshops about the Optimal Athlete Development Framework, Club Awards, Developing the Characteristics of a Future Performance Person, Athlete Transition through the Daily Training Environment Pathway, Getting Better, Better and will include a Coaches Corner.