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

Keeping teenagers engaged in swimming is one of the biggest challenges across the sport. National research consistently shows high dropout rates during the mid-teens, with many swimmers stepping away from the sport due to pressure, school commitments, or loss of enjoyment. Against this backdrop, Bluefins has achieved something rare: five consecutive years of growth in our 15+ age group. From 2021 to 2025, our senior swimmers have risen from 27 to 58.

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?”

County Development is the first step on the County Pathway, where swimmers aged 9–14 learn to handle tougher sessions, race more often, and measure themselves against County standards.