Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
THINKING of joining a local swimming club, but not sure if you'll be a good fit?
Prospective new members of Lake Macquarie Crocs Masters Swimming Club, at Toronto, don't have to dive straight in at the deep end.
Instead, they can dip their toe in, figuratively speaking.
Croc Allan Foster said new members gain confidence in the water in a non-competitive environment in the heated indoor pool at Toronto Swim Centre.
"During the first four weeks of attendance there are no fees, except pool entry fees, and prospective members attend our transition to membership," Mr Foster said.
Coach Ben Jenkinson can asses their ability, and suggest a training program to maximise their health and fitness aims, and ensure they stick around.
The club's 50 members range in age from 20-somethings to 70-somethings.
There is an even split of men and women, Mr Foster said.
Swimmers are organised into groups according to their abilities and goals.
"People say they join the club for three main reasons," Mr Foster said.
"Some have swum competitively in the past and would like to regain fitness; then there are people who have learnt to swim later in life and want to swim for health and fitness; and some people progress to our club directly from learn-to-swim programs."
The group environment is good for motivation and goal setting, he said.
Members also represent the club in carnivals run by Masters Swimming NSW.
■ The club's hour-long swimming sessions are held on Thursdays from 6pm.