Christmas/New Year Club Races & Training

Our last training session for 2023 will be held on Thursday, 21st December, while our last week of club races will be held on Saturday, 23rd December.

Club Races start at 7am as usual, and will include Novelty Events after the regular races.

Training will resume on Tuesday, 2nd January, 2024, with Club Races resuming on Saturday, 6th January.

Our Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, 23rd December in conjunction with the Club Races from 7am to 9:30am. All squad members are encouraged to attend the club races and novelty events. We would love to see you there. Enter online here.

Are going to be away at all in December or January?

If you will be away, then please complete the form below to indicate your last day of training and your first day back.

Training Break Form

The Committee and Coaching Staff hope you have enjoyed the first few months back at Merrylands. Have a Merry Christmas and keep training hard as school carnivals and the Merrylands SwimFest approaches.

See Also

Training Returns to Merrylands

Training returns to Merrylands Swimming Centre from Tuesday, 3rd October, 2023.

All swimmers must complete their club membership renewal and complete a new enrolment form.

Training will continue through the School Holidays (with the exception of the Public Holiday). If you are going to be away, please complete the Training Break Form to advise when you will be away.

Session times may change based on the number of enrolments received. Sessions require a minimum of 4 enrolments to go ahead. The current training times for each group are published on the Training Schedule page.

Changes this season

What isn't changing

  • Swimmers must have renewed their club membership for the 2023/2024 season before commencing training.
  • Swimmers will continue to be booked into sessions, and must be cancelled through the booking system if you can't attend.
  • Squad Fees continue to be paid via a multi-session pass.
  • Pool Entry must be paid on entry to the centre.
  • You may be required to show your Club Membership Card when paying pool entry or topping up a Pool Entry Card.

See Also

Training moves to Guildford Pool

Training moves to Guildford Swimming Centre from Monday, 27th March, 2023.

Sessions will be held in the outdoor pool and are scheduled to return to Merrylands in October.

All swimmers will receive an email with a link to advise whether or not they will continue training. This must be completed by Friday, 24th March.

Training will continue through the first week of the Easter School Holidays (with the exception of Public Holidays). There will be no training from 17th to 25th April. If you are going to be away, please complete the Training Break Form to advise when you will be away.

Session times may change based on the number of enrolments received. Sessions will require a minimum of 4 enrolments to go ahead. The training times for each group are published on the Training Schedule page.

What isn't changing

  • Swimmers will continue to be booked into sessions, and must be cancelled through the booking system if you can't attend
  • Squad Fees continue to be paid via a multi-session pass
  • Pool Entry must be paid on entry to the centre
  • You may be required to show your Club Membership Card when paying pool entry or topping up a Pool Entry Card

Swimmers must ensure they collect their training equipment from Merrylands Swimming Centre after their last session this week.

See Also

Christmas/New Year Club Races & Training

Our last training session for 2022 will be held on Thursday, 22nd December, while our last week of club races will be held on Saturday, 24th December.

Club Races start at 7am as usual, and will include Novelty Events after the regular races.

Training will resume on Tuesday, 3rd January, 2023, with Club Races resuming on Saturday, 7th January.

Our Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, 24th December in conjunction with the Club Races from 7am. All squad members are encouraged to attend the club races and novelty events. We would love to see you there. Enter online here.

Are going to be away at all in December or January?

If you will be away, then please complete the form below to indicate your last day of training and your first day back.

Training Break Form

The Committee and Coaching Staff hope you have enjoyed the first few months back at Merrylands. Have a Merry Christmas and keep training hard as school carnivals and the Merrylands SwimFest approaches.

See Also

National Day of Mourning

Australia will hold a National Day of Mourning to observe Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, 22nd September 2022.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared this day a National Public Holiday to commemorate Her Majesty’s remarkable life and dedication to service. 

No Squad Training sessions will be held on Wednesday, 21st or Thursday, 22nd September 2022.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

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 websiteyou 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 websiteyou 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 websiteyou 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
  • 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

 

Club Races & Morning Training Cancelled

Club Races for Saturday, 8th January, and morning training sessions on 4th & 6th January are cancelled.

Due to the long COVID-19 testing queues and inability to access the pool car park, combined with a number of Pool Staff having to isolate causing staffing shortages, Council has reduced the opening hours of Merrylands Swimming Centre for the next 10 days. The pool will only be open from 12pm to 7pm. 

This means the pool will not be open on Saturday morning, or for morning training this week.

Afternoon training sessions will proceed as planned. It is expected normal hours will resume on the 10th January.

Swimmers who have already entered for the 8th January will be refunded. As the week progresses, the Competition Committee will review whether any changes will need to be made to the race program.

Update: 4th January

Due to staffing shortages associated with the impacts of COVID-19, Merrylands Swimming Centre will be closed until further notice. Council will reassess the situation in the coming days. Training sessions will be held at Guildford Swimming Centre for the remainder of this week and will start 1 hour later than usual.

See Also

Training resumes at Merrylands

The wait is over! Training is back at Merrylands Swimming Centre from Monday 18th October. 

What do you need to do?

All swimmers must complete new enrolment forms and their club membership before they can attend training. The steps to follow are detailed below.

Please note, that under the current Public Health Orders, there are restrictions on who can attend Public Swimming Centres. More information and details on how this affects us is available here.

Members must submit a copy of their COVID-19 Digital Certificate (PDF) or medical exemption during their membership application. Children under 16 years of age who are not vaccinated, must submit their accompanying household member's certificate or medical exemption.

Changes this season

  • New COVID-19 Conditions for entry to the pool and for training
  • New Membership Categories and prices, resulting in lower membership fees for many swimmers. You can now choose to join as a Recreational Swimmer if you don't swim Club Races, or a Club Swimmer if you don't swim at external swimming meets. Your membership can be upgraded at a later date if required.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate or Medical Exemption must be uploaded with your club membership application.
  • A small increase in the cost of some sessions.
  • No physical membership cards - you will need to download a copy of your membership card from Swim Central to show to Council Staff when requested.
  • All people entering the swimming centre will be required to use the Service NSW QR code and show Council Staff proof of vaccination.

Instructions

  1. Review the new COVID-19 Conditions
  2. Download your COVID-19 Digital Certificate (PDF) from Services Australia
  3. Complete your Club Membership renewal, including uploading your COVID-19 Digital Certificate
  4. Complete your Squad Enrolment
  5. Purchase your Squad Multi-Session Pass and any new equipment you need
  6. Download a copy of your Membership Card

Session Bookings

Under the current COVID-19 restrictions we are required to limit the number of swimmers in a session, and maintain attendance records.

Swimmers will be booked into a session based on their enrolment. If you can't attend a session, you must cancel your booking through the booking system.
If you want to attend another session, it also must be booked through the booking system.

You will only be able to book into a session if there is space.

Active Kids Vouchers

Want to use an Active Kids Voucher to pay for your Squad Training? You can use an Active Kids Voucher to pay for up to $100 of your squad fees.

Voucher details can be entered when you complete your Squad Enrolment. See the Squad Fees page on the website for more details.

Annual Training Breaks

What a massive 12 months we have had! Since we returned to competition in October last year, our members have racked up over 500 new personal best times, won over 120 medals, qualified for Area, Metropolitan and State Championships for the first time, and improved their technique and fitness. Well done to you all on your hard work!

From 25th June to 18th July, all groups will have their Annual Training Break. This is an opportunity for swimmers, parents and coaches to recharge and re-focus for the coming summer. We encourage you to stay active during this time, with an occasional swim, to maintain your fitness and feel for the water, while still giving your body and mind some rest and recovery.

  • The last training session will be Thursday, 26th June
  • Sessions for the Senior, Age, Development, Junior and Novice (2), Adults & Masters squads will resume on Monday, 19th July
  • Sessions for the Novice (1) and Beginner squads will resume on Monday, 2nd August

There will be some sessions for swimmers who have qualified for the Metropolitan and State Short Course Championships. Details of these sessions will be provided to the swimmers concerned this week.