Water-Dragons Cardiff swimming club

Happy New Year to all.

I do hope your Christmas celebrations went well!

We start back on January 12th 2008. There are four weeks remaining to complete the November 10 week swimming course, and this will take us to February 2nd 2008. There are awards to be given out on that date but only if they have been ordered. Please see Eileen or myself by the 19th January to order and pay for the certificate and badge.

News just in. Helen Our Level 2/3 coach will not be returning to teach at the club, she will be needing more time at home as she is expecting her first baby in July. We are very sorry to lose her and will miss her dedication and expertise. Helen is also sad to be leaving but I am sure you will share with me our best wishes to her and her coming happy event. Beverley, who is currently taking the beginner group, will take on Helens classes, and I for my sins, will be taking the beginner group.

The new ASA format for 2008 in teaching the skills of movement in water is now to be started in earnest by our club. This will involve the chidren in all aspects of movement in water Do not be surprised to see them practicing the skills of ball handling, for water polo practice, movement to music, water rescue, water safety practices, survival, resuscitation together with much more concentrated work on all stroke techniques. The theory behind the above practices is that it will help them understand how correct movement of hands, feet, and body position in water can hone the skills needed in all swimming strokes. In its turn this will hold the children in their groups for longer, or until the skills are well learned. In the past the tendancy has been to move them “up” too soon, and when they are moved into the more advanced classes they then find they are unable to attain the higher standard expected, often resulting in loss of confidence and self worth. This appears to be the reason why so may children with promise drop out. Variation is now the “go” word, which aims to make swimming classes more fun, and at the same time improves stamina and teaches a much higher level of understanding in all aspects of the sport. I will be bringing in the new ASA folder for anyone interested to look through on Jan 12th.

I look forward to another successful year at Howells’ pool and look forward to seeing all your little “cherubs” once again

Kind regards,

Jean