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Rapids readying for summer

For youngsters interested in joining the White Rapids, evaluations are this weekend (April 22-23)
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Another season of spring and summer swimming is getting underway this coming weekend, as the Nanaimo White Rapids Swim Club invites members to make a splash. (NEWS BULLETIN file)

BY IAN THORPE

Everyone into the pool!

Another season of spring and summer swimming is getting underway this coming weekend, as the Nanaimo White Rapids Swim Club invites members to make a splash.

Heading into its 51st year of operation, the popular local club has always strived to live up to its mission statement to foster “social and skill development focusing on each athlete’s personal best, in a safe and fun community-based program.” The emphasis is on personal improvement, physical and mental development and developing lifetime friendships.

Returning as president of the White Rapids club this season is Leah Johnson, assisted by vice-president Owen Peer and past president Russ Der. Diane McGonigle and Lisa Allen share secretary duties, with Sean O’Toole the club treasurer. Other directors are Rob Richards, Don Goodman, Liz Morrison, Norm King, Cheryl Morch, Renate Simmons, Travis Telford, Paul Pallard, Chris Boulding, Craig Rivers and Laurel Laturnus.

The talented coaching staff for the coming year is headed up by Courtney Poulin, with assistant head coaches being Baylee Munro and Taylor Snowden-Richardson. Senior coaches are Nyree McGonigle and Steven Moore. Haley Bennett and Angus McGibbon will be junior coaches, Erin O’Sullivan and Finn Bodnar are senior development coaches and Sophia Schellinck, Arada Barclay and Connor McIntyre are junior development coaches.

The White Rapids Club operates the heated outdoor Kin Pool in Bowen Park as part of a successful co-management agreement with the City of Nanaimo. Affiliated with the B.C. Summer Swimming Association, NWRSC operates a competitive summer swimming. Swim meets are a large part of summer swimming and are scheduled around Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland from June through August. The White Rapids will host their annual Blue and White club meet on May 27. Then the V.I. Region Summer Swim Meet schedule begins with a competition in Cowichan on June 3-4, followed by a Nanaimo meet on June 30-July 2. Regionals will be August 4-6 in Courtenay, then provincials Aug. 17-20 in Kamloops.

The Mini Rapid Swim Lesson program is offered in one week sessions during July and August, with lessons for beginners to advanced swimmers. Private lessons are also available upon request. Public swim sessions are available during weekends In June and throughout the week in July and August. Private pool rentals can also be arranged.

For young swimmers interested in joining the White Rapids, registrations can be completed online. However, any new swimmers must attend a short in-pool evaluation at the Kin Pool this weekend (April 22-23), between noon and 2 p.m. New members are asked to bring proof of age along with a swimsuit and towel. There is no minimum age to join, but members need to be able to swim a width of the pool, unassisted, using a recognizable stroke. The registration fee structure is $350 for the first swimmer from a family, $325 for a second family member and a $25 discount for each additional sibling.

For registration details or to find out more information about Nanaimo White Rapids Swim Club programs, visit www.nanaimowhiterapids.ca.

Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.