Games star inspires our kids

STUART Talbot is confident Australia’s swimming idols, particularly Tasmanian teen sensation Ariarne Titmus, will boost participation in the sport this autumn and winter as the Commonwealth Games kick off this week.

Titmus is expected to star in the pool at the Games, which run from April 4-15, after an amazing showing at the national titles.

She won the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle treble to qualify for each event at the Games, as well as the 4x200m freestyle relay.

Kingston Pool and Wellness Centre swimming instructor Mr Talbot said he had 1100 swimmers aged from three months old right through to adults enrolled in lessons over summer.

That number usually decreased to 850-900 during the colder months as winter sports took over, but Mr Talbot hopes he can maintain his summer numbers.

“With the Commonwealth Games, the swimmers are seen as heroes,” he said. “We are certainly very happy she [Titmus] has been successful, it’s definitely something kids aspire to, what she’s doing.”

Mr Talbot added that swimming was an important survival skill.

“It’s a life skill you need to learn, particularly in Tasmania,” he said.

In 2016-17, 11 people drowned in Tasmanian waters, with seven of those occurring in ocean or harbour waterways.

Just last month, former Tasmanian MP Tony Benneworth and Anthony Long drowned at Ansons Bay on the North-East Coast.