Swimmers battle on
ASHBOURNE & District Swimming Club believe they will come through the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and emerge as strong as ever when they are allowed to get back to normal.
The club’s chair, Vicky Scotcher, says “the club’s spirit will prevail” as they cope with hugely restricted training times at the town’s leisure centre – as well as a whole year now without a competition.
Vicky has written about how the club is coping with the pandemic. She says:
“Sports and activities up and down the country have been heavily impacted by Covid-19 and Ashbourne & District Swimming Club is no different.
“Some swimmers have gone from 4.5 hours of high-intensity training a week to none. However, we have adapted and changed to allow all swimmers, whatever their ability, to safely enjoy training and all the benefits it offers.
“The club have a whole list of new procedures and social distancing measures to maintain a Covid-secure environment and thanks to the cooperation of the staff at the leisure centre, they have been able to provide this.
“Squads have been restructured and small bubbles created, all of which have designated areas for waiting and briefing. One-way systems are in place through the changing rooms and around the pool. There are even new procedures for swimming up and down the lanes, ensuring that social distancing is maintained.
“Of course, the chlorine in the pool plays a part in keeping the environment Covid-secure and all equipment, including starting blocks, is washed down in between contact.
It’s been difficult coping with lockdown but, luckily, the club continue to offer a range of activities to members, like land training.
Head coach Ian Duckmanton sends out weekly suggestions of videos and online workouts to do, as well as setting outdoor challenges to get members out in the fresh air.
He said: “To help keep our swimmers physically active during this time, they are completing a number of active challenges: running, biking and walking.
“Members are encouraged to log their activities or post on their Facebook group to motivate and encourage each other.
“As well as the fun of swimming, there are plenty of other benefits. Swimming is an allweather sport for everyone, no matter your ability, and provides a regular full body activity and workout, longterm health benefits, a mental break from screen-time activities and an opportunity to improve skills like coordination.
“Swimming has significantly reduced the symptoms of anxiety or depression for 1.4 million adults in Britain (source: swimming.org, 2021).
“Club member Katie Hannock (15) said: ‘The best parts are fitness, the friendly atmosphere and friendly competition when you want it but with no pressure.’
“In addition, being part of a club is a fun social outlet, particularly in times like these. Elena Andrews (14), whose 11 year-old sister, Scarlett, is also a member, added: ‘Swimming is great for your health and fitness. It gives you a chance to meet children from different schools and develop friendships and helps you keep fit, which supports other sports.’
“During Covid, all galas and open meets have been cancelled. The last major competition the club did was in February 2020, the Derbyshire Championships, in which our swimmers made seven finals and won five medals.
“This is understandably disappointing for many swimmers who use competitions and personal best times to measure improvement and motivate them. However, the governing body of swimming, Swim England, have come up with a new series called Level X racing, which complies with new Covid guidance, showing swimming is able to change and adapt, offering participants a way to be competitive and strive to be the best they can.
“The club, like all local sports clubs, are struggling at the moment with increasing costs and restrictions on numbers but are confident they can ride the wave and pull through with the support of members.
“As soon as they are back in the pool properly, the club will be offering trials for potential new members to come along, have a go and see if it’s a sport for you.
“Level X racing is set to continue and the club’s team spirit will prevail.”