History
Grimsby Alexandra's Swimming Club was traditionally a girls' club (earlier, it was known as a 'Ladies' Club), and was established in 1902. Grimsby Dolphins' Swimming Club was traditionally a boys' club, established in 1897. In 1994, circumstances made a merger necessary, with a movement and sharing of day and time for both clubs to a Wednesday. In 1996, it was decided that the clubs should officially amalgamate, and the new club was born (Grimsby Alexandra's & Dolphins' Swimming Club) with a single affiliation to the Midland District ASA.
Rookie
Between 1996 and 2001, Grimsby Alexandra's & Dolphins' Swimming Club Rookies and Rookies from the Council-run courses joined forces to host an annual countrywide Rookie competition, followed by Presentation Evening, incorporating a buffet and disco. Helen (the teacher involved with both groups) also organised trips to the beach to look at the dangers there, and to Ingoldmels for a day with the Beach Lifeguards stationed there. This involved them taking part in two beach patrols, training activities on the beach and in the sea, and learning about the equipment used. Even parents who normally stand by got involved! Sadly, Rookie training now takes a very back seat in our activities.
Centenaries
It had been decided at the amalgamation of the two clubs that the individual centenaries should not go without celebration.
1997 was Grimsby Dolphins' Centenary Year, although little support was found to support the events we had planned, especially the Barbecue and Games Evening. This was sad, but made us more determined than ever that we would organise events for 2002!
2002 saw the dawn of Grimsby Alexandra's Centenary Year. The Committee decided that our celebrations would be centered upon the younger element of the club. We held a competition to design a centenary badge. Two sessions at the local Playtowers were arranged, which were great fun and enjoyed by all - especially the Corporate Evening, when adults could play even if they didn't have a child with them!
We also held a Pond Dipping session, run by the Park Rangers during the Summer Holidays, and in the River Freshney, which brought back many happy memories for the older members and ex-members who were there to ensure that the children had a good, but safe time. Examining their catches at the end, and identifying everything caught before releasing them back into the river was the perfect end to the day.
The Annual Swimming Gala in 2002 saw a special event - 'The best old-fashioned swimming costume' held at the beginning of the gala. There were 6 entrants, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and were rewarded with a prize each of a gift voucher and some 'old-fashioned' sweets.
The final celebration of the Centenary Year was a 'Thank you dinner' for all teachers and helpers. Without them, the Club would not be here today
Child Protection
It is expected that ALL helpers will undergo checks with the ASA and the Criminal Records Bureau. In addition, "Safeguarding and Protecting Children" is the one training workshop that we insist all helpers attend as soon as they are old enough to do so.
Volunteer Training
Many have also attended workshops entitled "Coaching Disabled Performers"; "Equity in Your Coaching"; "Emergency First Aid" and "A Club for All". Teachers have also attended training on Long Term Athlete Development, Teaching Butterfly and Implementing the National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS).
Level 1 and Level 2 Teacher Training Courses are run locally through the ASA with many of our helpers attending as soon as they are eligible.
Here are the qualifications gained by some of our helpers in recent years:
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2003 |
1 Level 2 Swimming Teacher 4 Level 2 Swimming Teachers gained their Level 1 Diving Teacher Certificate |
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2004 |
2 x Level 1 Swimming Teacher 2 x National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) 2 NPLQ updates The 4 Level 1 Diving Teachers gained their Level 2 Diving Teacher Certificates and became members of the British Diving Teachers Association (BDCA) |
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2005 |
1 NPLQ update |
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2006 |
2 x Level 1 Swimming Teacher 1 Level 2 Swimming Teacher 1 NPLQ update 2 x National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches (NRASTC) |
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2007 |
1 Level 1 Swimming Teacher 1 NPLQ 3 NRASTC |
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2008 |
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Partnerships
Good relationships with SLM (the company now managing the Leisure facilities for the Council) as well as a number of local Youth Organisations.
Regular communications with the ASA and BDCA.
Chair and Treasurer (Val & Doug) are representatives on the Humber Partnership's Swimming Action Group; N.E. Lincs Swimming Development Group and Grimsby & Cleethorpes ASA.
Club is affiliated to ASA North East Region and Yorkshire SA.
Some Junior members are invited to attend local galas run by CADS (a local competitive swimming club), and swim for them as second-claim members in other galas.
Accreditations
2001 - We registered interest with the ASA regarding their Swim 21 Accreditation. "Swim 21 is the ASA's club development model, which incorporates the Clubmark scheme of Sport England and provides the framework for clubs to reach their full potential." This covers Swimmer Development; Teacher/Helper Training and Development; Club Management; and Partnerships. All aspects needed an audit and an Action Plan. Both took a long time to complete fully.
2002 - Action Plan completed and approved by the ASA. Evidence-gathering was the larger of the two tasks, and is on-going - many of the things identified were in place, but no evidence had been accumulated.
2003 - We were awarded Swim 21 Accreditation at the highest level - Gold. We are the first Club on the South Bank to achieve this - and still the only Club to hold Gold Accreditation. We were also granted Sport England's Clubmark.
2003 - Granted Access Organisation for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Physical and Service Sections). This status allows our members aged 13½ and over to count their activities with the Club BEFORE officially registering with D of E. They can count their swimming towards the 'Physical' section and if they help to teach, they can count this towards their 'Service' section. Potentially, they can have half of their Award completed, before even registering! We are the only local swimming club and one of only two local sports organisations with this status.
2004-7 - Received re-validation of Swim 21 at Gold level.
2007 - Awarded North East Lincolnshire Council's Active Clubs Accreditation at Silver Level.
More Changes
2002 - From 7th May, the Club had to change to a later starting time, with many parents and helpers saying that they would be unable to continue. This was an anxious period, but actually strengthened us, with all teachers and helpers managing to alter existing arrangement , and with some persuasion, we also recruited 5 new helpers, 2 for the poolside and 3 for the administrative side, which delighted us all. Once the times were confirmed, many members decided that they would stay would remain with us after all. It was decided that those Juniors transferring should attend the first session (6:30 - 7:15pm), with the majority of new children attending the second (7:15 - 8:00pm). The second session was built up over time, now with an equal number of participants. In addition, we have continued to attract more teachers and helpers - now with 8 Level 2 Swimming Teachers; 4 Level 1 Swimming Teachers; 6 Poolside Helpers and 4 Level 2 Diving Teachers. The Junior Club has continued to go from strength to strength, with waiting lists for most ability groups, especially non-swimmers.
The Senior Session (8:00 - 9:00pm) has a few stalwart members, but needs to be built up. We have recently started adult non-swimmer/beginner lessons and hope to increase numbers attending this. Other adults swim for fitness or use the session for a social swim with friends.
Diving
Started in 2003, after completion of Level 1 qualifications. We are now able to take up to 36 pupils, all ages - adults are most welcome! Correct techniques are taught in fully structured lessons - no "flinging yourself off the board" allowed! Shallow water and poolside techniques are taught first - incorporating stance, jumps, rolls and dives off the poolside. When all of the basics are complete, jumps and dives off the 1m springboard are taught, however, most pupils are able to "have a go" on the board at the end of the session, if they have completed their lesson.
Pre-requisites: able to swim and be confident in, and under, deep water, and be willing to try new things.
Check out the "Diving Section" page for more information.
Pricing Policy
This has always been designed to allow socially or economically disadvantaged families access to quality teaching in a friendly club environment, and our aim is that this will continue. Even so, we recognise that there may be families who still find it difficult financially, and we are able to make arrangements for delayed payments or over a period of time should this be required.
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