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.

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.

There are three ingredients you need to be a great swimmer: water, skill, and a pace clock. You’ll find one at the end of every Bluefins pool — the large white clock with a half-red, half-black hand that never stops. It’s more than just a timer. It’s the heartbeat of the training session. Swimmers and coaches use the pace clock to control when to start, measure how fast each repeat is swum, and manage recovery between efforts. It’s what turns lengths into structured, measur

The Bluefins Water Polo Academy is where confidence, teamwork, and skill come together in one exciting, fast-paced sport. For swimmers aged 9–13, it’s a fun but focused environment — where the energy of play is matched by the same discipline and attention to detail found across all Bluefins squads. 💙 Who It’s For The Academy is open to any swimmer aged 9–13 who enjoys a challenge, loves working in a team, and wants to experience the excitement of Water Polo.

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.