Gloucester Thunderbolts Swimming Club has a COVID-safety plan and has launched its 2020/21 season.
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Eager members of all ages returned to the Gloucester pool for the first club meeting on Thursday, October 15.
According to race secretary Tamara Perry, it was a pretty impressive turn out with 60 swimmers taking to the water.
"It surprised me given COVID but it's individual, so it's a good sport to do," Tamara explained.
"We have a fair few new families who have joined since last year."
Things are pretty much back in full swing with a few extra social distancing and hygiene requirements and some members have even be attended carnivals at different clubs.
Kaitlin Perry swam at the NSW Long Course Qualifying Meet on October 10 and 11 held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
The 10-year-old placed 5th in her age group for breast stroke while breaking a club record and landing a personal best (PB) time while placing 15th in freestyle.
Kaitlin is excited to be back in the water as she loves the fitness and the fun of it all.
"And I like to win," Kaitlin said.
On the October long weekend, Olivia Wade went to Port Macquarie where she scored herself five new PBs and a medal, taking home 3rd place in butterfly.
The 10-year-old has been competing since she was seven, and according to her mother, Melissa Wade, she absolutely loves it.
"Liv's done well. She often places at carnivals," Melissa said.
Her younger brother, Hudson took part in his first carnival just before Christmas. He was eight-years-old when he swam at the Laurieton event, placing second in breast stroke.
Rory Ashy and Amelia Gruisinga also had a very good run during last year's carnival season.
Amelia is ready to get at it again, joining Kaitlin at an event in Kempsey on October 24.
Not all swim club members attend carnivals, some prefer to just take part in the weekly events looking to best their own times.
"Here it's all about doing your best and making the kids comfortable," Tamara said.
The Gloucester Thunderbolts Swimming Club welcomes members of all ages and abilities and has members from as young as five-years-old but into their 60s. The club season will now from through until the end of March 2021.
For more information about the club, visit its Facebook page or website at https://gloucesterthunderbolts.swimming.org.au.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
