A Child Safe Approach to Training Through the Colder Months

Dear Northcote Swim Club Families,

As we approach the end of Term 1 and look ahead to the colder months, I want to share with you the details — and the thinking behind — our move to the Winter Training Timetable, which will take effect from the start of Term 2 (Tuesday 15 April), straight after the Easter long weekend.

To some degree, all squads will be affected, so please take a moment to review the changes that apply to your swimmer.

Copies of the new timetable will be available on the website, in TeamApp, and through your squad coach.

Why are we making changes?

The key driver behind the Winter timetable is child welfare.

History has taught us that, as the outdoor pool cools down, training can become particularly challenging — especially for our younger swimmers.

Our number one priority is to keep our young people swimming safely and consistently through the Winter terms, and this means making the most of available warm water and protected training environments.

While we’ve worked hard to provide flexibility where possible, Northcote Swim Club is just one user of the NARC facility.

With increased demand for indoor space during the colder months, we’ve designed this timetable with a Child Safe lens, prioritising access to warm water for our youngest and most vulnerable swimmers.

The coaching team has done a great deal of thinking, consultation and planning — including negotiation with Clublinks — to bring this Winter program together.

Clublinks is expanding the Learn to Swim program this year, which means access to the indoor pool in the evenings will be very limited. We’re incredibly grateful for the cooperation we’ve received in securing key morning lanes to keep our squad swimmers in the water.

We’re also mindful that, on particularly cold days, the outdoor pool may drop below safe training temperatures. If that happens, the coaching team will adapt with alternative dry-land training to ensure sessions remain safe and worthwhile.

What’s changing?

GOLD SQUAD (States/National + Fitness)



All morning sessions will move indoors (training times unchanged)
All evening sessions remain outdoors
Monday PM: Slightly shorter — 4:15pm to 6:00pm
Tuesday & Thursday PM: Shift later — 5:30pm to 7:15pm
Saturday AM: Now held indoors in the 25m pool

SILVER SQUAD

Silver squad is the most affected by the timetable changes.

Two sessions on Tuesday & Friday evening will be BEFORE SCHOOL — 5:45am to 7:30am – in the indoor pool
* Wednesday evening session has been replaced by the Friday AM session.
Monday & Thursday PM: Shift earlier — 4:15pm to 5:45pm
Saturday AM: Now held indoors in the 25m pool  (shared with Gold).

BRONZE SQUAD

The Wednesday evening session has been replaced by a Friday evening session.
All sessions will now be held indoors in the warmer 25m pool.

Flexibility

We understand that personal and family logistics can sometimes make it difficult to attend every session your swimmer would like to attend.

If your swimmer’s circumstances require some adjustment, the coaching team is happy to support flexibility. Please talk to your coach.

- Silver swimmers may attend a Bronze or Gold session.

- Bronze swimmers may attend a Silver session.

- Gold swimmers may attend a Silver session (but you will have to swim MUCH faster!).

Parents of Bronze swimmers are also welcome to discuss joining the Saturday morning indoor session with the Silver and Gold squads.

Please speak with your coach if you’d like to explore any of these options.

Thank You

Thank you for your support and commitment to the club as we head into the Winter Short Course season.

These changes reflect our focus on consistency, safety, and care — and we’re confident they will help every swimmer stay healthy, connected, and progressing throughout Terms 2 and 3.

Thank you also for a great Club Night last night. Results will be published this week.

Wishing you and your family a restful Easter break.

Warm regards,
Crispin Butteriss
President, Northcote Swim Club