Over two hundred swimmers will attend this year's Merrylands SwimFest at Merrylands Swimming Centre tomorrow.

Competitors can download the Meet Program from the Merrylands SwimFest section of our website. Live Results will also be available during the meet.

A full timeline and list of clubs competing is also available. Please note that the timeline should be used as a guide only.

Visiting clubs are reminded to bring their own chairs and shelter as there is limited seating and cover at Merrylands Swimming Centre.

See Also

• Merrylands SwimFest Swim Meet

Merrylands' team of 16 swimmers produced awesome performances at the Speedo Sprint Heats at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre today.

Our 8 to 13 year olds brought the speed in some very fast 50s, with a stack of new personal best times. Overall, our team swam 42 new PBs and achieved multiple top 10 finishes.  

Congratulations to all our swimmers on their performances, and a big thank you to the families and coaches for their support.

Merrylands will be sending a team of 16 swimmers to the Speedo Sprint Series Heats which will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre tomorrow.

Our team consists of:
Aisha Abdelraheem
Ameena Abdelraheem
Lucas Alvarez
Joseph Assi
Joab Hada
Ren Jie Hum
Jhanvi Jayasinghe
Jay Shrestha
Lisa Shrestha
Nevah Shrestha
Niushka Shrestha
Ruby Shrestha
Unish Shrestha
Daniel Vicic
Leo Zhu
Lillian Zhu

Our team will compete in 58 individual events at the meet.

Good luck to our team!

Speedo Sprint – Sunday 13^th February

We have a team of 16 swimmers representing our club tomorrow at the Speedo Sprint Series being held at SOPAC.

Good luck to everyone in our team and may the whale be with you all. Look for a report about the meet in next weeks Whales Tales.

Merrylands SwimFest – Saturday 19^th February

The Merrylands SwimFest is being held next Saturday. We will require help with set up prior to the meet as warm up commences at 1.30pm and races start at 2.30pm.

We have a big afternoon with the meet at capacity entries, so we need the assistance of all parents & carers on the day with a range of tasks to be carried out during and after the meet.

A big thankyou to our meet sponsors, Club Merrylands, Starr Partners, Merrylands Swim Squad and Alpha Security Corp who are kindly providing assistance.

Metro South West Area Championships - Saturday 26^th February & Sunday 27^th February

Entries close Wednesday 16^th February for this meet. This is our areas major championship meet and will be held at SOPAC.

Relay Competition

A couple of timely reminders for this competition:

• Weekly swimmer nominations need to be submitted prior to the team swimming each week. This form nominates the 4 swimmers of the team that will swim on the day. Complete the form here.
• No use of timing is to be used during the race (no watching the timekeepers stopwatch or pacing along the pool deck etc). Teams found doing this will be disqualified from the race.

Vale – Tascha Sinclair

This week we received news that a former club member and Club Captain had sadly passed away.

Tascha Sinclair was a club member in the 1980/90’s and was Club Captain in 1990, 1992 & 1993. As an active club member Tasha was awarded the Lions Club trophy in 1985/86 and 1990/91.

Tasha won her age championships over a number of years, including the 11 years (1985/86), 12 years (1986/87), 13 years (1987/88), 14 years (1988/89), 15 years & Open Womens (1989/90), 16 years (1990/91) & Senior Womens 1992/93.

Tascha’s mum, Val was also an active club and committee member over many years.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tasha’s family.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Latest information can be found at https://merrylandsasc.asn.au/clubraces/entryconditions

Cole Classic 2022

The 2022 Cole Classic was swum at Manly last Sunday and a number of our club members swam in the 1 klm, 2klm o& 5klm races.

Congratulations to everyone on completing the swim in very tough conditions.

Championship Results – 5^th February 2022

50m Freestyle

25m Freestyle

200m Freestyle

Upcoming Championship & Meet Calendar

Sponsors

We receive great support from our club sponsors and we thank them for this support.

We also welcome a new Secondary meet sponsor to the Merrylands SwimFest for 2022. Thankyou to Denise Assi for sourcing this sponsorship for the club.

If anyone has contacts who would like to assist in sponsorship of the club please let Graham know.

Upcoming Swim Meets

This month there are three major events our swimmers are competing in:

Speedo Sprint Series – Sunday 13^th February

We have a team of 16 swimmers representing our club next Saturday at the Speedo Sprint Series being held at SOPAC.

Good luck to our team as they continue to prepare this week for the meet.

Merrylands SwimFest – Saturday 19^th February

The entry limit for the Merrylands SwimFest was achieved during the week, so we expect a big turnout for the meet.

Entries remain open only for Merrylands Swimming Club members, but close today at 5.00pm. So don’t delay if you haven’t yet entered the meet. Do it as soon as get home from club races today.

The assistance of all of our swimmers parents & carers is important to ensuring we host a successful meet, so please see Graham to confirm you are available to assist on the day.

Metro South West Area Championships - Saturday 26^th February & Sunday 27^th February

Entries close Wednesday 16^th February for this meet, which is our areas major championship meet and will be held at SOPAC.

Information about all of these and more meets is available here.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Latest information can be found here.

Auburn Review article

This week saw the Auburn Review publish a great story about our swimmer's achievements in the recent Metro South West Open Water Championships:

Editors correction – there is no Masters Meet this year!

Championship Results – 29^th January 2022

50m Breaststroke

25m Breaststroke

200m Breaststroke

Upcoming Championship & Meet Calendar

Sponsors

We receive great support from our club sponsors and we thank them for this support.

Upcoming Swim Meets

There are a number of upcoming swim meets that will keep our swimmers busy training and competing over the coming months.

Speedo Sprint Series – Sunday 13^th February

The Speedo Sprint Series caters for girls and boys aged between 8-13 years in 50m Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke and Butterfly events and is a great way to have fun and learn new skills in a friendly environment.

The meet will be held at SOPAC. Entries close Thursday 3^rd February.

We encourage all of our club swimmers in the 8-13 year age groups to enter the meet and we look forward to having a large team at SOPAC for the meet.

Merrylands SwimFest – Saturday 19^th February

This our club’s major meet for the season and will be held at Merrylands Swimming Centre. Entries are open online and close on Saturday, 5^th February. This is our club's major carnival so it is expected that all club swimmers will attend the meet.

We will of course require the assistance of all of our swimmers parents & carers, so please see Graham to confirm you are available to assist on the day.

Metro South West Area Championships - Saturday 26^th February & Sunday 27^th February

This is our areas major championship meet and will be held at SOPAC. Entries close Wednesday 16^th February.

Information about all of these and more meets is available on the club website. More information on how to enter is here.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Information & Conditions for Attendees are regularly updated and the latest information can be found here. 

With COVID-19 currently being active in our local community it is important that everyone take steps to reduce the risk of transmission and remain up to date on the conditions of entry.

We have a number of club championships still to be held this season and interruptions to individual swimmers plans may occur. The ability to swim eligibility swims for championship events may be affected so we strongly recommend that swimmers plan and undertake their eligibility swims as early in the season as possible, rather than leaving these swims to the last week available before the Championship event is to be swum.

A reminder that a failure by a swimmer to swim an eligibility swim will preclude their participation in that Championship.

Championship Results – 22^nd January 2022

50m Butterfly

25m Butterfly

Upcoming Championship & Meet Calendar

Sponsors

We receive great support from our club sponsors and we thank them for this support.

The 2022 Merrylands SwimFest Swim Meet will be held at Merrylands Swimming Centre on Saturday, 19th February, 2022.

Entries are now open, and will close on Saturday, 5th February, 2022. This is our club's carnival so all club members are expected to attend.

For more information visit the Merrylands SwimFest section of our website.

See Also

• Merrylands SwimFest Swim Meet

Welcome to 2022

We wish everyone a happy and safe 2022.

With the swimming centre closed over the past weekends it’s a later resumption of club races in 2022 than we had planned. Changes have been made to the race program, with the Butterfly championships planned for last Saturday being swum this morning. Good luck to all swimmers competing in these championships.

Swim Meet Results

The Swimming NSW Junior Metropolitan Championships were held at SOPAC just before Christmas. Our club was represented by 3 swimmers, Joseph Assi, Unish Shrestha & Chloe Ton.

Joseph Assi and Unish Shrestha both swam in the 50m Breaststroke. Joseph swam a new personal best time and Unish finished in his second fastest time, just outside the PB he achieved the week before.

Joseph saved his best until last in the 100m Breaststroke. Joseph took over a second off his time and came 10th, achieving his first Metropolitan Finalist result.

Chloe Ton achieved a personal best time in the 50m Freestyle in her first Metropolitan Championships.

There have also been a number of Open Water Championships swum over the past few weeks.

Swimming NSW State Open Water Championships

These were held in late December 2021 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. Matthew Vicic represented our club and swam a time of 1:15:33.13, taking 2½ minutes off his previous time for this event.

Metro South West Open Water Championships

These were held on Sunday 9^th January 2022 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. Our club was represented by 7 swimmers with 4 (Unish, Daniel, Joseph & Joab) swimming in the first open water competition.

Results in the age groups were:

Alison Sakurovs (1^st - 5 klm)
Niushka Shrestha (6^th - 2.5klm)
Nevah Shrestha (8^th - 2.5klm)
Unish Shrestha (3^rd – 2.5klm)
Daniel Vicic (4^th – 2.5klm)
Joab Hada (5^th – 2.5klm)
Joseph Assi (6^th – 2.5klm) 

Congratulations to everyone on their swims.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Information & Conditions for Attendees

With COVID-19 currently being active in our local community it is important that everyone take steps to reduce the risk of transmission.

These steps include:

• Any swimmer, volunteer, coach or spectator who is feeling unwell in any way, or has symptoms or signs of COVID-19 must not attend until full recovery has taken place
• Attendees are encouraged to wear a face mask where physical distancing is not possible
• All swimmers should follow the ‘get in, swim, get out’ approach and should avoid showering/using changeroom facilities where possible. Come ready to swim, and leave the pool as soon as possible
• Access to the Club Room and Old Club Room is restricted
• Swimmers are required to have all their own equipment. Swimmers are not permitted to share equipment or drink bottles. Food and drink should not be shared

As the ability to swim eligibility swims for championship events may be affected we strongly recommend that swimmers plan and undertake their eligibility swims as early in the season as possible, rather than leaving these swims to the last week available before the Championship event is to be swum.

A failure by a swimmer to swim an eligibility swim will preclude their participation in that Championship.

Swimming Facts

Some health & fitness swimming facts (https://swimjim.com/blog/40-fun-facts-about-swimming)

• In one hour, swimming burns about 40% more calories than biking
• Swimming burns about 30% more calories than running per hour
• Swimming strengthens the heart and lungs
• Swimming can improve exercise-induced asthma
• Swimming lowers stress and depression
• Aerobic activities like swimming can reduce inflammation

Upcoming Championship & Meet Calendar

Sponsors

We receive great support from our club sponsors and we thank them for this support.

Looking for a fun, friendly and fast paced activity this summer?

Come and take part in the 2022 Speedo Sprint Series.

The Speedo Sprint Series caters for girls and boys aged between 8-13 years in 50m Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke and Butterfly events and is a great way to have fun and learn new skills in a friendly environment.

Due to its timing, the meet, along with the Merrylands SwimFest, also provides good practice for School Swimming Carnivals. All club members aged from 8 to 13 are encouraged to enter.

This year's meet will be held on Sunday, 13th February, 2022 at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

If you have not attended a meet before and would like some more information or help on entering, just ask one of the Club Committee Members.

See Also

• Upcoming Swim Meets

Updates on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and their impact on Club Activities are available below.

Updates will be provided on this page as the situation evolves.

Update: Monday, 24th January, 2022

Training sessions have returned to normal. Individual sessions may be cancelled if there is a high number of cancellations.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Resumed 22nd January 
• Squad Training
  • Running to the regular schedule
• Learn to Swim
  • Will not resume until later in the season
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is open

Update: Monday, 17th January, 2022

Merrylands Swimming Centre has reopened today. Training returns to Merrylands today, but with reduced sessions. Squad Members have been notified via email which sessions are running.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Will resume this week (22nd January). 
• Squad Training
  • Sessions return to Merrylands today, but with reduced sessions available.
• Learn to Swim
  • Will not resume until later in the season
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is open

Update: Monday, 10th January, 2022

Merrylands Swimming Centre remains closed due to staff shortages caused by COVID-19. Afternoon training sessions remain at Guildford Swimming Centre and start 1 hour later than usual. An update on Club Races will be provided later this week.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • An update will be provided later this week. 
• Squad Training
  • Afternoon sessions are running at Guildford Swimming Centre, starting 1 hour later than usual. Morning sessions remain cancelled. Conditions have been updated.
• Learn to Swim
  • Will not resume until later in the season
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is closed until further notice

Update: Tuesday, 4th January, 2022

Merrylands Swimming Centre is closed due to staff shortages caused by COVID-19. Afternoon training sessions have moved to Guildford Swimming Centre and start 1 hour later than usual.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Cancelled for 8th January 
• Squad Training
  • Afternoon sessions are running at Guildford Swimming Centre, starting 1 hour later than usual. Morning sessions are cancelled for 4th & 6th January.
• Learn to Swim
  • Will not resume until later in the season
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is closed until further notice

Update: Saturday, 1st January, 2022

Merrylands Swimming Centre is operating at reduced hours due to staff shortages caused by COVID-19. There will be no morning training session on the 4th & 6th January and no Club Races on 8th January.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Cancelled for 8th January 
• Squad Training
  • Afternoon sessions are running. Morning sessions are cancelled for 4th & 6th January
• Learn to Swim
  • Will not resume until later in the season
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is open reduced hours

Update: Tuesday, 19th October, 2021

Club Races will resume on Saturday, 23rd October. Under the Public Health Order, only fully vaccinated people may attend swimming centres at this time.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Resumes Saturday, 23rd October 
• Squad Training
  • Resumed Monday, 18th October
• Learn to Swim
  • Will not resume until later in the season.
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre opened on Monday, 18th October

Update: Saturday, 16th October, 2021

Merrylands Swimming Centre will re-open on Monday, 18th October. Squad Training will resume on the same day. Under the Public Health Order, only fully vaccinated people may attend swimming centres at this time. Squad members have received an email with enrolment information and conditions.

Club Races can resume when Community Sport can resume. We are still working through the details of when we will start.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Will resume over the coming weeks. Start date is to be determined. 
• Squad Training
  • Resumes Monday, 18th October
• Learn to Swim
  • Will not resume until later in the season.
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre opens from Monday, 18th October

Update: Friday, 24th September, 2021

Outdoor pools are permitted to re-open with restrictions from Monday, 27th September.

At this stage:

• Squad Training is not permitted under the restrictions.
• Cumberland Council is not re-opening Merrylands Pool until further notice due to the COVID-19 Testing Centre located in the car park. Various other pools are not re-opening at this stage.
• Other centres that are opening are doing so with various restrictions in place. These vary depending on the Local Government Area or pool operator.

We encourage you to swim if you can find a swimming centre in your LGA, or within 5km of your home. Check the entry conditions before attending. There will be capacity limits, vaccination requirements, age limits and some centres may require bookings.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Will resume when permitted 
• Squad Training
  • Will resume when permitted
• Learn to Swim
  • Will resume when permitted
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is closed until further notice

Update: Saturday, 26th June, 2021

Stay at Home orders have been announced for Greater Sydney which come into force from 6pm today for 2 weeks.

All swimming public swimming pools will close. All training sessions will cease.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Will resume in October 2021 
• Squad Training
  • Suspended
• Learn to Swim
  • Will resume in November 2021
• Swimming Centres
  • All centres are closed

Update: Wednesday, 23rd June, 2021

New restrictions have been announced which come into force from 4pm today.

As a result, until further notice, the following will apply to training sessions:

• Where possible, spectators should not attend sessions
• All spectators who do attend, must wear a mask, even when outside

If you, or a member of your household, have visited any of the locations listed on the NSW Health website, you must not attend club activities, and get tested.

If you are feeling unwell for any reason, you must not attend club activities. Get a COVID-19 test.

The list of case locations is being regularly updated. Members should check this list before leaving home to attend a club activity. 

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Will resume in October 2021 
• Squad Training
  • Running
  • All Spectators are required to check-in at the pool entrance using the Service NSW App.
• Learn to Swim
  • Will resume in November 2021
• Swimming Centres
  • Centres are open to the public. Merrylands Swimming Centre will re-open in October 2021

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Friday, 12th February, 2021

The state of Victoria has been declared an affected area.

If you, or a member of your household, has been in Victoria at any time on or after Friday, 29th January, you must not attend club activities before Thursday, 18th February.

If you, or a member of your household, have visited any of the locations listed on the NSW Health website, you must not attend club activities, and get tested.
If you are feeling unwell for any reason, you must not attend club activities. Get a COVID-19 test.

The list of case locations is being regularly updated. Members should check this list before leaving home to attend a club activity. 

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Resumed Saturday, 2nd January.
  • COVID-19 Safety Information and Conditions for all attendees is available.
  • All Spectators and Volunteers are required to check-in at the pool entrance using the Service NSW App.
• Squad Training
  • Resumed, Saturday, 2nd January.
  • All Spectators are required to check-in at the pool entrance using the Service NSW App.
• Learn to Swim
  • Resumed Saturday, 30th January.
  • All Spectators are required to check-in at the pool entrance using the Service NSW App.
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is open to the public.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing.
• Wear a mask if you cannot physically distance from others.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Wednesday, 6th January, 2021

New COVID-19 cases have been identified at various locations in our local area, including Merrylands, Mays Hill, Pendle Hill and Parramatta.

If you, or a member of your household, have visited any of the locations listed on the NSW Health website, you must not attend club activities. Get a COVID-19 test and follow the instructions of NSW Health.
If you are feeling unwell for any reason, you must not attend club activities. Get a COVID-19 test.

The list of case locations is being regularly updated. Members should check this list before leaving home to attend a club activity. 

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Resumed Saturday, 2nd January.
  • COVID-19 Safety Information and Conditions for all attendees is available.
  • All Spectators and Volunteers are required to check-in at the pool entrance using the Service NSW App.
• Squad Training
  • Resumed, Saturday, 2nd January.
  • All Spectators are required to check-in at the pool entrance using the Service NSW App.
• Learn to Swim
  • Resumes Saturday, 30th January.
  • All Spectators are required to check-in at the pool entrance using the Service NSW App.
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is open to the public.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing.
• Wear a mask if you cannot physically distance from others.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Friday, 1st January, 2020

New COVID-19 cases have been identified at various locations throughout Greater Sydney.

If you, or a member of your household, have visited any of the locations listed on the NSW Health website, you must not attend club activities.
If you are feeling unwell for any reason, you must not attend club activities.

The list of case locations is being regularly updated. Members should check this list before leaving home to attend a club activity. 

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Resumes Saturday, 2nd January.
  • COVID-19 Safety Information and Conditions for all attendees is available.
  • All Spectators and Volunteers are required to sign-in.
• Squad Training
  • Resumes, Saturday, 2nd January.
  • All Spectators are required to sign-in.
• Learn to Swim
  • Resumes Saturday, 30th January.
  • All Spectators are required to sign-in.
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is open to the public.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing.
• Wear a mask if you cannot physically distance from others.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Friday, 18th December, 2020

New COVID-19 cases have been identified on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

If you, or a member of your household, have visited the Northern Beaches Local Government Area, or any of the locations listed on the NSW Health website, since Friday, 11th December, you must not attend club activities.

The list of case locations is being regularly updated. Members should check this list before leaving home to attend a club activity. 

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Resumed Saturday, 10th October.
  • COVID-19 Safety Information and Conditions for all attendees is available.
  • All Spectators and Volunteers are required to sign-in.
• Squad Training
  • Returned to Merrylands Swimming Centre on Monday, 12th October.
  • All Spectators are required to sign-in.
• Learn to Swim
  • Resumed Saturday, 24th October
  • All Spectators are required to sign-in.
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is open to the public.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Thursday, 19th November, 2020

South Australia and New Zealand have recently identified case locations.

If you have visited Adelaide on or since 7 November, even if you did not visit the listed venues, you must not attend club activities until 14 days after you were last in Adelaide.

If you have visited New Zealand, follow the advice of the Ministry of Health NZ.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
• • Resumed Saturday, 10th October.
  • COVID-19 Safety Information and Conditions for all attendees is available.
  • All Spectators and Volunteers are required to sign-in.
• Squad Training
  • Returned to Merrylands Swimming Centre on Monday, 12th October.
  • All Spectators are required to sign-in.
• Learn to Swim
  • Resumed Saturday, 24th October
  • All Spectators are required to sign-in.
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is open to the public.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Friday, 9th October, 2020

The 2020/2021 season has started.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Membership
  • Renewals for the 2020/2021 season have opened.
• Club Races
  • Resume Saturday, 10th October.
  • The Season Program is now available.
  • Online Entries are open for the first 2 weeks
  • COVID-19 Safety Information and Conditions for all attendees is available.
  • All Spectators and Volunteers are required to sign-in.
• Squad Training
  • Enrolments are now open.
  • Training returns to Merrylands Swimming Centre on Monday, 12th October.
  • All Spectators are required to sign-in.
• Learn to Swim
  • Planning has been delayed by COVID-19, but is underway.
  • Once details have been finalised, COVID-19 Safety information will be advised and enrolments will open.
  • The capacity of the program will be reduced this season.
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre is open for Public Lap Swimming. Bookings are required through the pool.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Monday, 5th October, 2020

We are continuing our preparations for the 2020/2021 season.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Membership
  • Renewals for the 2020/2021 season have opened.
• Club Races
  • Resume Saturday, 10th October.
  • The Season Program is now available.
  • Online Entries are open for the first 2 weeks
  • COVID-19 Safety information will be published on this page before the first week of races.
• Squad Training
  • Swimmers who trained at Guildford will return to Merrylands Swimming Centre on Tuesday, 6th October.
  • Other swimmers may resume from Monday, 12th October.
  • Enrolments have been delayed by Council's late decision on the centre's operating hours. They will now open this week.
• Learn to Swim
  • Planning has been delayed by COVID-19, but is underway.
  • Once details have been finalised, COVID-19 Safety information will be advised and enrolments will open.
  • The capacity of the program will be reduced this season.
• Swimming Centres
  • Merrylands Swimming Centre opens for Public Lap Swimming on Tuesday, 6th October. Bookings are required through the pool.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Tuesday, 29th September, 2020

We are continuing our preparations for the 2020/2021 season.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Membership
  • Renewals for the 2020/2021 season have opened.
• Club Races
  • Resume Saturday, 10th October.
  • The Season Program is being reviewed due to last minute changes by Metro South West to their meets.
  • The Program, Online Entries and COVID-19 Safety information will be published as soon as possible.
• Squad Training
  • There is no training the week of 28th September. 
  • Planned to return to Merrylands Swimming Centre on Tuesday, 6th October.
  • Council are yet to confirm the opening hours of the centre.
  • Once opening hours are confirmed, we will advise the session times and COVID-19 Safety information and open enrolments.
• Learn to Swim
  • Planning has been delayed by COVID-19, but is underway.
  • Once details have been finalised, COVID-19 Safety information will be advised and enrolments will open.
  • The capacity of the program will be reduced this season.
• Swimming Centres
  • Guildford & Granville Swimming Centres are open for Public Lap Swimming. Bookings are required through those pools.

Update: Saturday, 25th July, 2020

On Friday, 24th July, NSW Health advised that Cerdon College and 2 other local schools have been closed due to students returning positive tests for COVID-19.

Under our COVID Safety Plan, students who attend these schools, and their family members, may not attend training until contact tracing has been completed by NSW Health.

If you are one of these swimmers and have received bookings for this week, please cancel your bookings through the booking system and do not attend training.

You must not attend training if you have attended any of the Reported Case Locations on the NSW Health website.

Current Status of Club Activities

• AGM
  • Moved to Monday, 21st September, 2020
• Presentation
  • Moved to Saturday, 26th September, 2020
• Squad Training
  • Sessions continue as planned and may now have up to 20 swimmers in a group
• Club Races
  • Suspended until further notice  
• Learn to Swim
  • Suspended until further notice
• Swimming Centres
  • Guildford & Granville Swimming Centres are open for Public Lap Swimming. Bookings are required through the pool.

Update: Sunday, 19th July, 2020

With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases we have reviewed our COVID-19 Safety Plans along with advice from NSW Health, Sport NSW, Swimming Australia, Swimming NSW and ASCTA. The Training Conditions have been updated.

You must not attend training if you have attended any of the Reported Case Locations on the NSW Health website.

Current Status of Club Activities

• AGM
  • Moved to Monday, 21st September, 2020
• Presentation
  • Moved to Saturday, 26th September, 2020
• Squad Training
  • Sessions continue as planned and may now have up to 20 swimmers in a group
• Club Races
  • Suspended until further notice  
• Learn to Swim
  • Suspended until further notice
• Swimming Centres
  • Guildford & Granville Swimming Centres are open for Public Lap Swimming. Bookings are required through the pool.

Update: Tuesday, 16th June, 2020

Public Lap Swimming is now available at Guildford Swimming Centre from 6am to 12 noon. Bookings are required and must be made through the centre. See the Cumberland Council website for details.

Current Status of Club Activities

• AGM
  • Moved to Monday, 21st September, 2020
• Presentation
  • Moved to Saturday, 26th September, 2020
• Squad Training
  • Sessions continue as planned and may now have up to 20 swimmers in a session
• Club Races
  • Suspended until further notice  
• Learn to Swim
  • Suspended until further notice
• Swimming Centres
  • Indoor pool at Guildford Swimming Centre is open for Public Lap Swimming from 6am to 12 noon. Bookings are required through the pool.
  • Indoor pool at Guildford Swimming Centre is open for Squad Training only in the afternoons.
  • Granville Swimming Centre will reopen on Friday, 26th June.

Update: Friday, 12th June, 2020

Limited pool sessions for Squad Training continue at Guildford Swimming Centre and may have up to 10 swimmers in the session from Monday, 15th June.

Current Status of Club Activities

• AGM
  • Moved to Monday, 21st September, 2020
• Presentation
  • Moved to Saturday, 26th September, 2020
• Squad Training
  • Sessions may have up to 10 swimmers in a session from Monday, 15th June
• Club Races
  • Suspended until further notice  
• Learn to Swim
  • Suspended until further notice
• Swimming Centres
  • Indoor pool at Guildford Swimming Centre is open for Squad Training only.
  • All other Cumberland Council Swim Centres are closed until further notice.

Update: Wednesday, 27th May, 2020

Limited pool sessions for Squad Training will resume on Monday, 1st June at Guildford Swimming Centre inline with the COVID-19 Restrictions which now allow squads to train in indoor pools. Members have been emailed the details on how to book their session.

Current Status of Club Activities

• AGM
  • Moved to Monday, 21st September, 2020
• Presentation
  • Moved to Saturday, 26th September, 2020
• Squad Training
  • Limited sessions resume Monday, 1st June, 2020 under restrictions
• Club Races
  • Suspended until further notice  
• Learn to Swim
  • Suspended until further notice
• Swimming Centres
  • The indoor pool at Guildford Swimming Centre will open on Monday, 1st June, 2020 in line with COVID-19 Restrictions for Squad Training only.
  • All other Cumberland Council Swim Centres are closed until further notice.

Update: Monday, 25th May, 2020

We are in discussions with the Council about resuming pool sessions for Squad Training. All squad members have receive an email with a survey to complete to indicate their interest in returning to the pool. Please check your email and complete the survey as soon as possible.

Current Status of Club Activities

• AGM
  • Moved to Monday, 21st September, 2020
• Presentation
  • Moved to Saturday, 26th September, 2020
• Squad Training
  • Pool sessions suspended until further notice. Discussing with council options for resuming pool sessions.
• Club Races
  • Suspended until further notice  
• Learn to Swim
  • Suspended until further notice
• Swimming Centres
  • All Cumberland Council Swim Centres are closed until further notice

Update: Thursday, 14th May, 2020

The NSW Government is easing restrictions as of Friday, 15th May. Outdoor pools can operate but can have no more than 10 people at a time and no more than one person per lane. Change areas will also be closed. It is up to pool operators to decide whether reopening their pools is practical or feasible at this time. Cumberland Council has not provided any advice as to whether their pools will reopen, and they remain closed at this time.

Swimming NSW and Swimming Australia have today provided National Guidelines for Restarting Club Environments which the Club Committee will review before activities resume.

Current Status of Club Activities

• AGM
  • Moved to Monday, 21st September, 2020
• Presentation
  • Moved to Saturday, 26th September, 2020
• Squad Training
  • Pool sessions suspended until further notice
• Club Races
  • Suspended until further notice  
• Learn to Swim
  • Suspended until further notice
• Swimming Centres
  • All Cumberland Council Swim Centres are closed until further notice

Update: Monday, 6th April, 2020

The Club Committee has voted to move the AGM and Presentation Evening to September. The events will be reviewed closer to the date.

Current Status of Club Activities

• AGM
  • Moved to Monday, 21st September, 2020
• Presentation
  • Moved to Saturday, 26th September, 2020
• Squad Training
  • Pool sessions suspended until further notice
  • Further information will be provided to squad members via email
• Club Races
  • The final week of races for the season (Saturday, 28th March, 2020) is cancelled
• Learn to Swim
  • Lessons finished Saturday, 21st March, 2020
• Swimming Centres
  • All Cumberland Council Swim Centres are closed until further notice

Update: Monday, 23rd March, 2020

As of midday, Monday, 23rd March, 2020, all Cumberland Council Swim Centres will close until further notice.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Squad Training
  • Pool sessions suspended until further notice
  • Further information will be provided to squad members via email.
• Club Races
  • The final week of races for the season (Saturday, 28th March, 2020) is cancelled.
• Learn to Swim
  • Lessons finished Saturday, 21st March, 2020.

Update: Thursday, 19th March, 2020

All members have been emailed an update on Club Activities. A summary follows.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Club Races
  • Running on Saturday, 21st March, under the following conditions
  • Appropriate Social Distancing and Personal Hygiene practices to be followed at all times
  • Only essential participants should attend. i.e. swimmers, coaches, officials, volunteers involved in operations and parents/guardians of swimmers
  • Participants must spread out throughout the centre. There will be designated areas only for marshalling and officiating.
  • Timekeepers should only move to the 15m/25m/33m if they have a swimmer in their lane. Otherwise they should move straight to the end of the pool, and maintain at least 1.5m gaps when not timing a race.
  • Equipment should not be shared
  • Club Photo has been cancelled
  • Championship Presentation has been cancelled
  • There will be no general access to the club room
  • A decision on races for Saturday, 28th March will be made by Thursday, 26th March
  • Advice from Swimming NSW concerning cancellation of swimming meets relates to multi-club meets - not club races at this time
• Learn to Swim
  • Running on Saturday, 21st March, under the following conditions
  • This is the final lesson (as already scheduled)
  • Appropriate Social Distancing and Personal Hygiene practices to be followed at all times
  • Spectators should spread out in areas away from direct contact with the lesson activity
  • Only essential participants should attend. i.e. swimmers and parents/guardians of swimmers
  • Instructors will be modifying lessons as appropriate
  • Advice from ASCTA, Swim Australia and AUSTSWIM does not recommend cancelling lessons at this time
• Squad Training
  • Running, but under modified conditions (see below).
  • Updates will be provided through the website by 3:30pm each day if sessions are to be cancelled.
  • The following changes are being made to Squad Training until further notice:
    • All Land Warm-Ups cancelled - sessions will start in the water at the usual in water start times:
      • Novice & Junior Squad: 4:30pm
      • Development, Age, Senior Squad: 5:15pm
      • Masters, Adults: 5:45pm
      • Morning Squads: 6:00am (access via the main entrance - not the club room)
    • Access to the Club Room and Old Club Room will be restricted. Swimmers may leave their bags in the club room while training and will be able to access the Old Club Room only to get access to their training gear. The rooms will be closed to everyone at all other times.
    • Spectators at training should implement social distancing by doing the following:
      • Not congregating around the entrances to rooms
      • Not sitting on the side of the pool where training is being conducted
      • Spectators that do not need to be at the centre should not attend 
  • Advice from ASCTA, Swim Australia and AUSTSWIM does not recommend cancelling sessions at this time

Cumberland Council has advised that it's swimming centres remain open.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Monday, 16th March, 2020

Swimming NSW has provided updated advice on their website, which all members should make themselves familiar with.

Current Status of Club Activities

• Squad Training
  • Running, but under modified conditions (see below).
  • Updates will be provided through the website by 3:30pm each day if sessions are to be cancelled.
  • The following changes are being made to Squad Training until further notice:
    • All Land Warm-Ups cancelled - sessions will start in the water at the usual in water start times:
      • Novice & Junior Squad: 4:30pm
      • Development, Age, Senior Squad: 5:15pm
      • Masters, Adults: 5:45pm
      • Morning Squads: 6:00am (access via the main entrance - not the club room)
    • Access to the Club Room and Old Club Room will be restricted. Swimmers may leave their bags in the club room while training and will be able to access the Old Club Room only to get access to their training gear. The rooms will be closed to everyone at all other times.
    • Spectators at training should implement social distancing by doing the following:
      • Not congregating around the entrances to rooms
      • Not sitting on the side of the pool where training is being conducted
      • Spectators that do not need to be at the centre should not attend 
  • Advice from ASCTA, Swim Australia and AUSTSWIM does not recommend cancelling sessions at this time.
• Club Races
  • Being reviewed.
  • A decision will be made by the close of entries on Thursday night as to whether they will proceed.
  • The Club Photo has been cancelled.
  • Advice from Swimming NSW concerning cancellation of swimming meets relates to multi-club meets - not club races at this time.
  • If races do not proceed a refund for entry fees will be provided through SwimCentral.
  • We will be implementing some social distancing measures if races proceed. More details will be provided closer to the weekend.
• Learn to swim
  • Being reviewed.
  • A decision will be made by Thursday night as to whether lessons will proceed.
  • Advice from ASCTA, Swim Australia and AUSTSWIM does not recommend cancelling lessons at this time.

Cumberland Council has advised that they are increasing cleaning protocols at the swimming centres.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices.
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including goggles, drink bottles or towels.

Update: Friday, 13th March, 2020

As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation continues to evolve, Swimming NSW has provided an update on their website, which all members should make themselves familiar with.

Swimming Club and Training Sessions will continue to be held at this stage, however all members should follow the advice from Swimming NSW and State and Federal Governments.

In particular:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity.
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices.

The Australian Age and Open Championships in late April have been cancelled by Swimming Australia. At this stage however there are no plans to change State or local events of less than 500 people that are currently happening. The NSW State Open Championships are continuing this weekend.

See Also

• World Health Organisation - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
• Swimming NSW - COVID-19 advice
• Swimming Australia - Statement re COVID-19
• AIS - COVID-19 and Sporting Activity
• NSW Health - COVID-19 (Coronavirus)