Jack Burford – Work Experience Student, Irymple Secondary College
THE Mildura Swimming Club is on the lookout for more members after a recent drop in squad numbers.
Despite having had various successes over the past few years, the number of new swimmers joining the club has been falling at an alarming rate.
Not too long ago, the club was crowned the Swimming Victoria Club of the Year for the 2021-22 season and just recently hosted the 2025 Victorian Country LC Championship.
That event generated more than $1 million for the local economy and is set to return to Mildura in 2027.
Despite these achievements, the club’s squad sizes have been diminishing to a point where it’s become a troubling issue for head coach Alanna Cameron.
“It’s unfortunate to see our squad numbers falling because it leads to fewer opportunities for our swimmers to build their sense of team spirit and develop the lifelong friendships that club swimming leads to,” she said.
“It also makes it harder to run certain activities and limits the opportunities for our swimmers to succeed in team based events like relays.
“This is upsetting because it removes a lot of the excitement and energy from our club.”
Cameron said there are several good reasons to take up the sport.
“Swimming is incredibly beneficial physically and can be used as a way for our multi-talented athletes to increase their cardiovascular fitness and boost their performance in other sports,” she said.
“It also provides a way for our athletes to grow a sense of self-confidence and understand the power behind determination.
“I highly recommend that any junior swimmers that are confident in their skills and willing to grow in the sport attend a free trial session.
“There is a place for swimmers of all skill levels in our club, whether you’re just starting out or have progressed to compete at the national level.”
Cameron said that a growth in squad numbers could prove vital towards the future success of local swimmers.
“With larger squad numbers, we’ll be able to provide our swimmers with more opportunities for success,” she said.
“That way, our club will be able to keep thriving and growing in the future, as more local kids are able to make the most out of the benefits swimming offers.”
The club welcomes swimmers at most skill levels, with prerequisites for any graduates of local swim schools and juniors who are confident with three different swimming strokes.
For more information on how to join the Mildura Swimming Club, email milduraswimming@gmail.com
