Brian DeVal

Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson has issued the following statement after the Government ordered the closure of leisure centres due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“As a lifelong swimmer who is passionate about our wonderful sports, it is a very sad day to see the nation’s pools closed.

“However, the nation’s health and wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and in this unprecedented situation, it’s important everyone follows the guidance to help combat the spread of coronavirus

“To help everyone who takes part in aquatic activity keep physically and mentally fit and active, we will be sending out training plans and advice over the coming weeks.

“We will also be releasing some free online CPD opportunities for our teachers and coaches alongside other helpful resources, including some additional live webinars.

“The chancellor has also pledged to help companies keeping on retained workers by paying up to 80 per cent of salaries – and we will look into how the measures he announced will also support our self-employed teachers, coaches and tutors.

“These are challenging times but everyone at Swim England is there to support and do our very best for our clubs, members, workforce and volunteers to ensure we come out of this much stronger.”

Swim England/Institute of Swimming have published some FAQ’s that will help clubs and athletes.

The article applies Government and NHS advice to every aspect of our sport.

Please read the full article as it could save lives.

The qualification window for the British Summer Championships and Swim England National Summer Meet has been altered following the coronavirus outbreak.

Both the British Summer Championships and the Swim England National Summer Meet are, at this time, still scheduled to go ahead in July.

As the spread of coronavirus has led to a number of events being cancelled, including the British Swimming Championships in April, the dates for the qualification window has now been changed.

Full story

To help clubs ensure they have good with child welfare procedures Swim England have produce a new edition of  Wavepower, their child safeguarding policies and procedures publication.

The aim of Wavepower is to safeguard all children in line with current legislation, regulations and guidance and is for use within any Swim England affiliated organisation where children are present.

More information about safeguarding and welfare.

Swim England has issued the following advice regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The health and wellbeing of anyone who takes part in any aquatic activity is of paramount importance to everyone at Swim England.

This is a rapidly changing situation so please check regularly for the latest information.

You can also sign up for email alerts from Gov.UK.

Executive Meeting on 10^th March 7.30 – 09.30 George Hotel, Chatteris. This  meeting is open to all  club coaches and nominated club reps to discuss and debrief on the 2020 County Championship.

We really want to know what you think, what we got right and what needs looking at.

Swim England East Region has reviewed its practices in the light of the current spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Members and spectators should note that, due to the known risk element of Coronavirus Swim England East Region cannot offer any refund or recompense to athletes, coaches, or spectators for any expenses incurred in relation to an event cancelled due to Coronavirus.

Although it is hoped that there will be no impact, Swim England East Region will continue to monitor its planned events in the light of the current health information, and will take appropriate action to advise relevant members if it becomes necessary to make changes to our published plans.

Swim England has published, and circulated, a Coronavirus (COVID-19) statement to clubs.

Would you like to stand on the side of a beautiful lake on a lovely sunny day instead of a hot pool? Fancy doing something a little different? Why not train to become a qualified licensed open water official!

Whilst we can’t really guarantee sunny weather, Swim England would like to acknowledge the skills and understanding pool swimming officials have which could be used in open water swimming.

Swim England would like you to consider applying for a place on our bespoke course which will take place in Loughborough on 17 May 2020.

This Open Water Officials’ Bridging Course will comprise of:

• One day, face-to-face delivery, which will be a mix of seminars and skills practicethrough the use of videos
• One day attending your Regional Open Water Championships, where official roles will be signed off by a mentor.

Opportunities

Once you have qualified as Level 1 official and applied for an open water licence, you can volunteer to officiate at the National Open Water Championships.

More information and booking form.

The next generation of title-chasing aquatic athletes are being encouraged to apply for financial support in going for gold.

Ahead of a huge year of UK and world sport in 2020, the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme, is once again offering financial backing to help aspiring sporting talent fulfil their potential.

The GSF helped more than 300 athletes across 117 sporting disciplines in 2019, taking its total investment to £11 million in 11 years.

Last year, GSF backed 577 aquatic athletes to the value of £297,000.

See more information