Friday, October 17, marks the start of a new summer swim club season, and the Kiama Swimming Club is encouraging all local swimmers to get involved. 

The summer season, which runs from the beginning of Term 4 to the end of Term 1, takes place weekly on Fridays at the Kiama Leisure Centre. Swimmers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join. 

Corinna Walker, who has been involved with the swim club for 14 years, says the best part about Kiama Swim Club is its focus on fun and personal improvement rather than competition.

“It’s not about being competitive or racing each other. It’s simply for the kids to get up and have a go,” says Walker. “Each week, the kids race against their own times, earning points based on their personal improvement.” 

Although the heats are set up so swimmers with similar times race together, Walker emphasises that the real competition is with themselves. “They’re racing their own time, not the other swimmers,” she explains. 

Walker encourages anyone interested in an individual sport, or simply looking to improve their swimming skills, to come along and give it a try.

“Swimming is great for kids who aren’t necessarily drawn to team sports or don’t want to commit to one. Plus, our membership fees are affordable, so missing a few sessions isn’t a problem,” she says.

“It’s also fantastic for kids to practise starting on the blocks and listening for the starter gun, which is great preparation for school carnivals. We have two technical officials present every night to offer guidance on proper technique and explain disqualification rules, as they would in a race.” 

Coming off the back of the 2024 Olympics, where swimming was Australia’s most successful sport, Walker hopes the excitement will inspire locals to dive into the new season. 

“Swimming has always been one of Australia’s strongest sports, especially at the Olympics. Hopefully, this motivates both kids and adults to come and join the fun,” she says. 

Membership costs $199 and covers both the summer and winter seasons, but new swimmers are welcome to attend two free trial nights to see if they enjoy it before committing. 

If you’re interested, send your name and age to the Kiama Swimming Club secretary at [email protected], and they’ll provide more details.