The Melton Swimming Club has been struggling to keep numbers buoyant since COVID and it’s inviting the Melton and Moorabool community to dive into swim sports this summer.
The club provides swimmers living in Melton, Bacchus Marsh and surrounding areas, year round access to competitive swimming opportunities at district, state, national and even international levels.
Club president Ken Linder said that pre-pandemic the club boasted more than 120 members, but now there are just 56.
“Membership numbers dropped dramatically during the COVID pandemic,” he said.
“Unlike outdoor sports who were allowed to return to the field in limited capacity during the 2020 and 2021 lulls in the pandemic, swimming was completely shut down for around 12 months.
“Following the pandemic the cost of living has resulted in discretionary spending being reduced, further impacting on membership numbers.”
Mr Linder said the lower participation rates are affecting the prestige of the club.
“During the peak of membership Melton Swimming Club won the metro west district male, female and overall champions for seven years running, beating larger clubs from the district,” he said.
“However the reduction in membership has significantly impacted on our younger membership, resulting in a lack of representation at this younger level, the overall result being the club taking out second place at district championships this year.
“Swimming is a lifelong skill that can also be an enjoyable and rewarding sport. Joining the Melton Swimming Club will provide the opportunity to further your love of the sport while being recognised for your successes in competition.”
Details: www.meltonswimmingclub.com.au/
