Swimming
Competitive or just for fun!
Something magical happens when a child learns a new skill or achieves a goal. Their confidence grows and as that happens they begin to believe that they are capable of so much more.
"I was at a (swim) meet in Campbell River when I found out I was really good at backstroke," said nine-year-old Cole Needham, a member of the Powell River Aquatic Club. At the club's end-of-the-year banquet Cole received the most outstanding swimmer award.
For 11-year-old Maddison Yule, the best part of swim club is the challenge of learning something new and being with friends. "It's so much fun," says Maddison, who joined when she was five.
Some swimmers enjoy the competitive aspect of swim club but others don't and that's okay. "It's all about your personal goals," says Laurie Yule, president of the swim club and mother of Maddison. "You are part of a team but it is an individual sport. Your goal may be to swim one length, to have fun, to try something new, or to go to the provincials."
"It's very different than swim lessons. I had a kid who loved the water and wanted to swim a lot," says Laurie.
Children should be able to swim one length of the pool to join but if they are enthusiastic and love swimming, bring them out anyway, says Laurie.
Registration is in April for the new swimming season that begins May 1. There's a two-week free trial period and anyone considering swim club is invited to come and try it. "There's a small insurance charge but it's minimal."
Theresa Verdiel's daughters have been involved in swim club for six years. "My girls like the fitness aspect of swim club," says Theresa. "It provides cross training for soccer and gymnastics."
The amount of time swim club takes up depends entirely on the individual. "One concern people have is that their entire summer will be consumed with swim meets and practices," says Laurie. "But it doesn't have to be."
For a reduced price, kids can join for May and June only and be free to pursue other activities over the summer. The keeners who wish to continue or compete can join from May to September. "Because this is an individual sport, there is no late registration... you are not letting the team down by registering on June 15," says Laurie.
Ben Lynskey will return again as head coach for the second year. Ben, who grew up in Powell River, swam from a young age and was successful at the provincial level.
Swim club is very social, says Laurie. "We have barbecues and baseball games, we've gone for bike rides and have movie nights."
Registration for swim club is April 2 and 10 in the lower lobby of the complex. For more info visit www.bcssa.bc.ca/vi/pow/ or call Laurie at 604 489-0223.
