Another year and another opportunity to take the next step in swimming. For some families and swimmers, it may be their first into the competitive swimming world. For others those steps may lead to higher levels of provincial swimming. Some may even be stepping on to the National stage. At SWAT we hope to help make those steps fun and rewarding. We hope all folks get the opportunity to be successful, whatever successful looks like.

It was a long and rewarding year last year at SWAT. We continued to see Novice swimmers taking the step into AA competition. They found success at the level as well with Championship finals and medals earned in June. A few Tidalwaves swimmers also made the jump to AA setting the bar higher for the group this year. Junior swimmers took to AAA and even ECC qualification, while dominating AA Championship events. The drive and language from these groups were super encouraging. Conversations about improving and requirements for the next levels of competition and training grew throughout the year. Senior swimmers had very good showing Provincially with increased numbers at AAA competitions and racing well out of province. We are happy to have our one graduating swimmer join their University swimming team. SWAT is also proud to celebrate 5 swimmers joining Team Nova Scotia at Canada Games in St. John’s, NFLD.

It is a new year however, and there are new targets. While we don’t have Canada Games looming this season there are still places to aim for this year and beyond. There are new schedules and group structures this year that maximize the pool time we have been offered. Swimmers and families are encouraged to get involved with instruction and meet hosting. Each group is set up with the next level of competition in sight. Go find the results from the last AA Champs or AAA Champs. Find out what it took to make finals at ECC or National meets. 12U swimmers could look at Canada Games results to see what they might need to be considered for the next Games in New Brunswick. USPORT and National standards and results are available to give a glimpse at what it will take to be a contributing member of University squads or consideration for National teams. There is always something to keep your eye on and something to make the season exciting. Goals are not always easy to achieve, but they are no fun if they are easy.

There are moments we get to see every year that surprise and fulfill us: a best time, an unexpected medal, a new standard met. There is so much joy in these moments. Not just for the swimmer experiencing them firsthand, but also the families, coaches, and other swimmers. Each are involved in making those moments happen. Those moments are the culmination of your efforts, your teammates efforts, and your coach’s and family’s efforts. Go train for yourself, race for yourself, achieve success for yourself. But also do those things for those people around you. Be able to look back and know that everyone is proud of what you did and how you did it.

The Parent Handbook is a tool for families to check on club expectations, standards, and policies for swimmers, families, and staff. It will give a preliminary look at meet procedures and structures, volunteering and officiating information, and communication procedures. It also provides Nova Tech graduation criteria, and qualification standards for Swim NS AAA qualification, East Coast Championships, and National level competitions. I would encourage each family to read and keep a copy of the handbook.

Welcome back. Or welcome for the very first time. I am happy you are here, and I hope you are happy to be a part of SWAT. I hope we can have an exciting and successful year.

Matt Pedersen
SWAT Head Coach