Calling All Swimmers: Join Tieri Sharks!

Article from September’s Spring Edition of Tieri News. Read more here.

The season will kick off at the start of October and run every Monday throughout school Term 4 and Term 1. Doors open from 5pm, with races starting at 5.30pm.

“The aim of the swim club is primarily about encouraging water confidence and safety…and having fun, says Tim Pfeifer, President of the Tieri Sharks committee. “This year, we want to encourage anyone, of any age, and of any ability to come and join us. The focus is for all swimmers, no matter their level, to keep building their skills whilst having fun, so their confidence in – and enjoyment of – swimming grows.”

Those who don’t have much experience in the water start with a distance of 12m and use supports such as swimming noodles, kickboards or a life vest. For the kids, parents or carers can be in the pool with them or on the side, ready to hop in if needed. As their confidence and abilities improve, swimmers progress to the 25m, 50m and 100m distances.

Whilst the focus is on fun, there is a competitive element, though Tim stresses that it’s mostly a competition against yourself and your previous personal best (PB). “Every week, swimmers compete against their PB. Seeing the look on their faces when they get to the end of their lane a second or two faster than their previous best, it’s priceless. There’s such a sense of pride and achievement because it’s all been down to them.”

Of course, setting up the weekly events, time keeping, recording results, and organising the swimmers doesn’t happen by itself. Key to the ongoing success of the Sharks are the parents, carers and other swim-enthusiasts who generously volunteer their time. It simply would not be possible without the support of our community of volunteers. The kids and the committee are so grateful for your help in keeping the club running, and openly welcome anyone else who wants to volunteer.

One long-time volunteer is Bec Lines who has, perhaps, the most important job of all: organising the food and cooking up a delicious BBQ for everyone to enjoy after the swim! As a dad, Tim says he is “proud to be on the committee and to work with the wider Tieri Sharks team to make our events successful and ensure that our children – and, going forward, our adults – have a positive experience and passion for swimming. It’s a real pleasure to see them grow and develop and achieve their personal best in a sport they enjoy!”

For more information on the Sharks, visit Facebook or contact Megan Angel (Secretary) on 0427 681 628 or Tim Pfiefer on 0459 776 020.