A Parent Guide for early Swimmers Aged 9–12 Swimming development is not linear. Periods where progress appears to slow or feel inconsistent are a normal part of long-term development in a technically complex sport. Swimming is trained in a uniquely demanding environment Competitive training squads do not operate like swimming lessons — there are no tick boxes or fixed completion stages.

The new season has begun with real momentum — and our swimmers have wasted no time setting the standard. Each month, we highlight individuals who bring the right blend of effort, attitude, consistency, and skill to every session. Our Top Swimmer awards recognise those who don’t just perform well in the pool, but who train the right way: • they embrace feedback • they chase improvement • they show discipline and focus • they support their lane

"Swimmers’ Journals capture the moments, memories, and turning points that shape a Bluefins swimmer — from races and PBs to confidence, setbacks, comebacks, friendships, and insights away from the pool." I joined Bluefins over the summer break, not really knowing what to expect from a new club where I didn’t know anyone. I was small, skinny, and hardly looked like a swimmer. My parents only put me in lessons because they couldn’t swim themselves.

Just like every club swimmer, Bluefins love a new hat. Whether it’s for training or racing, there’s just something about pulling on a new hat that makes you feel part of something bigger. Since our 2020 relaunch, hats have become more than just kit — they’ve become part of our identity and culture. Outside the club, our hats spark plenty of curiosity too — and one of the questions we’re asked most often is: “What are the different hats about?”

For many families, joining the Skills Academy is the entry point into the world of club swimming. It can feel a little different from lessons — structured sets, squads, lane etiquette, Bluefins kit.