Connecting Communities this Volunteers Week

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

My wife and I finished volunteering with Blaze Aid about 7 years ago. I heard they were looking for volunteers at Swimming SA - as it is only a short walk from home, I thought why not.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

Meeting many like minded people. Also meeting many famous swimmers. I am very inspired by all the Multi Class swimmers enthusiasm.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

As a volunteer I do what ever is needed to be done. I mainly have been on the event entry door, but I have also helped out on pool deck.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

I enjoy meeting new people. It is very rewarding.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

You have to be open-minded and respectful.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

Just do it. It is a great opportunity.

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

I first got involved with volunteering in swimming last year with the Junior Whistleblower program offered by Swimming SA at some junior meets.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

My favourite moment as a volunteer was when I had the chance to officiate at Country Champs in Mount Gambier. It was quite a different experience that I had never experienced before. It allowed for me to meet some new people, and gain new skills especially in the Superfish events.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

I have helped out at a few club meets by using the skills that I gained from my work at Swimming SA meets.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

I am inspired not only by the swimmers in the pool, but the countless other volunteers and staff who help keep a meet running. I also have wanted to give back to the sport that I have been involved in for so long- including swim teaching.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

It has taught me key communication skills within a team environment, as well as social skills. I have been able to apply these skills not only to my volunteer work, but also elements of my life as well.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

I would say absolutely do it! It’s a great experience that opens your eyes to what runs a swimming meet and how you can play your part in it. There are also a variety of roles to suit everyone.

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

I first got into officiating through the junior whistleblowers program. This was a program where I got to try out all the different types of roles that officials do. I really enjoyed it and did one more junior whistleblowers meet before completing my assessments to become a technical official.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

Some of my favourite memories are from the 2025 Country Championships, getting to achieve new assessments and also teaching other swimmers who want to get into officiating how to officiate and what type of roles are involved. Some of my other favourite volunteer memories was at the Marion Splash and Dash carnival when my friends and I were helping the younger swimmers before their race and also helping out on the BBQ.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

To help volunteer for my club I help officiate at swimming carnivals when I am not swimming, I try to help younger swimmers at swimming carnivals and I also help introduce them into new squads, and I also try to help out at Marion Carnivals and club carnivals as much as possible including officiating, helping at the BBQ and encouraging the younger swimmers.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

I am motivated by just wanting to help the younger swimmers and give back to the sport. I want to help the younger swimmers because I know what it is like to be a younger swimmer and not know how everything works so I want to be able to help the younger swimmers learn what they are suppose to do and help encourage them.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

Officiating and volunteering at my club has taught me a lot. Officiating has taught me a lot about the behind the scene work around how much effort it takes to run a swimming carnival and how each person has a special role that helps contribute to the swimming carnival running smoothly. Volunteering and helping out around my club has taught me a lot. It has taught me a lot about how every achievement is something to be proud of.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

I would say that it is very rewarding and has so many amazing opportunities to grow further.

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

I first started swimming officiating through the junior whistleblower programme; however, I didn't fully start until the start of the long course season 2023, when I became injured. Officiating gave me the opportunity to be able to stay in the sport I love when I wasn't able to race myself. I started with my AOE accreditation and from there kept working on gaining knowledge about other roles through the support of the Swimming SA team and fellow technical officials. I now hold 7 qualifications, and I am about to complete my 8th, which is my level 1 starter.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

My favourite memory from officiating is getting the opportunity to be a student official at the school sports games and getting selected to do the officials' oath at the combined opening ceremony. This was the first time I experienced a national meet, and I got to meet so many amazing people and learn from them and their experiences. Another key experience for me was getting asked to go to the 2025 country championships in Mount Gambier. This experience was unlike any other; the swimmers were eager to swim and just happy to be there, and the participation that we got with the Super Fish events, where we had a whole pool deck full of swimming trial officials, was so special. Watching everyone be so willing to step out of their comfort zone and try something new and knowing that I was possibly a role model to them was such a surreal feeling, sort of serving as a reminder of how far I've come in my officiating journey.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

The biggest role I play at Marion is a role model for the younger kids that no matter your age, you're able to be an official. I also am a role model that although something may go wrong in your swimming career, there are still other ways to stay in the sport and get to a national level.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

I feel like being able to help people is my main motivator for why I volunteer my time for swimming. Being able to see the difference that you can have on someone's experience at a swim meet is such a rewarding feeling. I am also motivated by swimming officiating being something that no one is ever going to be perfect at, and there is always something to learn or improve on. This means that every time I step out on the pool deck, I learn something new. Swimming officiating also provides me with a unique challenge that i wouldnt get in any other environment.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

It has taught me to expect the unexpected because you never know what might happen at a swim meet. It has also taught me to appreciate when things go wrong in a sense because those are often the biggest learning moments as an official. It has also taught me that if you put in hard hardwork and effort, you will see the rewards. It has also taught me that small things you do for people leave a lasting impact on them and they will remember it no matter how small.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

The advice I would give anyone is to just go for it and that if you put your mind to it, you can do it. Everyone around you is here to help you, and they just want you to succeed. I would also say to someone thinking of doing it, reach out to Swimming SA or even the referees at your local swimming meets; they're always happy to help, and keep an open mind. Some days it will feel long and hard, but it is worth it, and you will get to wherever you want to go.

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

We lived in a small community called Wellington in NSW. When our eldest son Callum was old enough, he joined the local Wellington Amateur Swim Club and so did we. We both grew up around country football, seeing our parents help out in the canteen or taking on roles on the field. They instilled in us the helping role and we hope to pass that onto our kids too.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

Wade: Announcing Se-Bom Lee breaking the NSW Under 14's 200IM (I think) at SOPAC, and he really smashed it too. The whole place lost it and was cheering. It was amazing. Also, 2023 Murray Bridge Meet when it was drier to be in the pool than out!

Cat: Meeting and working with lots of fabulous people who are also volunteering their time. On numerous occasions in Wellington, jumping in the pool fully clothed after a meet with the committee and club parents - the swimmers (and our kids) loved it. It was a chance to take a deep breath and relax after the often hectic day and lead up to the meet.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

Wade: Timekeeper, Chief Timekeeper, Club President, Starter, Announcer, Meet Director.

Cat: Timekeeper, Recorder, Treasurer, Secretary, Meet Manager, Chief Recorder, AOE and Control Room Supervisor.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

Giving back to the swim community and seeing the swimmers smiles and reward for effort. We like to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously. We volunteer in swimming for all swimmers, not just our own kids (who have grown and left the sport).

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

Wade: Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps with the running of a carnival or assisting on a Committee.

Cat: Despite looking stressed out and my face being quite red, I really am having a fabulous time, I promise! I like everything to be organised and this has carried over from my job outside of swimming.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

Volunteering is what makes grass roots sport happen. Start small as a Timekeeper or take the plunge on a Committee - you will meet a wide range of people who all have the same goal - to make a Carnival or Club successful.

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

I started volunteering at swimming through time keeping duties, as most parents do. Then at our Gawler Gators yearly carnival, we needed a volunteer for an IOT and I as our carnival director put my hand up, and it kind of just went on from there!

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

I love the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends from a variety of areas, taking on board others knowledge and expertise, and of course the snacks we get along the way. However, my most favourite part of it is watching the kids succeed in their races. A standout moment for me would have to be when my daughter won her first gold medal at Country Champs, being able to witness it poolside and see her in action close up was a very special moment for us both.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

Along with being a parent, time keeper and all the volunteering that comes with being in a club, I am our clubs carnival director. I plan our yearly carnival which includes various tedious tasks including sourcing donations, fund raising, setting up, sourcing other volunteers and making sure everything runs smoothly on the day. As stressful as it can be, it makes it all worth it seeing our club thrive.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

Apart from not being able to sit still at swimming carnivals, I've always volunteered at our local sporting clubs, I enjoy being able to help out the clubs my daughters are involved in. On top of that, as previously mentioned I love learning new skills, making new friends and watching all the swimmers succeed.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

Taught me technical skills in a range of areas such as using computers, furthered my multi-tasking skills, and helped me remain vigilant.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

Do it! It is a very rewarding opportunity, you are able to make friends, broaden your horizons, and it includes snacks! It is such an amazing opportunity to go to new places, experience new things, and just a great, welcoming community to be a part of.

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

Originally I got involved as a volunteer to provide support to the Port Pirie Amateur Swimming Club when my children Nathan and Paige were swimming. That was back in about the year 2000 if I remember correctly. I started pretty much immediately to assist the coach on pool deck with the junior squads and later took on junior squads myself. This was back in the day before all the qualifications were needed! It wasn’t long before I made my way onto the committee of which I was a part of for many years and for the most part taking on the role of treasurer.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

Some of my favourite memories include the honour of receiving my life membership. I achieved this the same year my son achieved his swimming life membership so this made it extra special. This was in 2008, I remained involved and it was 2009 I had a proud moment with my daughter achieving her swimming life membership too.

Other great memories include the many trips away to carnival’s with the swimming community. These have included annual carnivals at places like Hawker, Leigh Creek and Roxby Downs, as well as SA Country Championships at places like Mt Gambier, Broken Hill, Gawler, Renmark and Loxton. Helping to ensure we had accomodation booked and everything in place for our swimmers was such a good experience. I was Team Manager for a number of years at SA Country Championships too.

Whilst I did have a bit of a break from involvement with the club I have been back again the last few years with 4 grandchildren swimming. I have been on the committee again for a few years now and I am currently the President, and during this time one of my fondest and proudest memories is in 2023 when Port Pirie Amateur Swimming Club had their 100 year celebration. We hosted an amazing event at the Port Pirie Sport Precinct. It was a lot of work I will say that but worth every ounce of blood, sweat and tears to see the swimming community past and present come together for the event and celebrating and sharing so many memories and achievements in the proud history of the club.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

As stated above I am currently the President and have been for the last few seasons now, as well during this time I have taken on the Member Protection Officer role and Carnival Director. Over the years other roles I have taken on include Vice President, Treasurer, Team Manager, Fundraising, Assisting pool deck, Junior coach ( pre qualification era - although I did do my coaching course at one point but never followed through with it - maybe I will get there one day). I also qualified previously for officiating roles such as Inspector of Turns and Announcer. I really loved the announcing role.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

What inspires me most is seeing children and young people achieve their personal best. It’s so much more than just the ‘times’ in the pool. Seeing them make connections with other swimmers and to develop as young people and great team players makes it all worthwhile. There’s also a lot to be gained from the connections you make with people - many tend to be life long connections. Leading upto the 100 year celebration in 2023, that in it self was inspirational. The club was very small and if I be honest at risk of folding. There was no way I was letting that happen and have the club miss out on that rare milestone achievement.

So at that time I rallied around to past members and life members to ensure we could form a committee to keep the club afloat and also to inspire a goal of growing membership. We still have a lot of growing to do - we are still quite small but we are strong as a group and I hope the club will still be going in many years to come.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

It has taught me a lot about the sport of swimming and appreciating different abilities. I have actually bought some of my other skills to the table too. Eg MPO is not unrelated to my field of work in child protection sector. It’s a two way street. It has taught me to value everyone’s skills and appreciate the different things they have to offer.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

Just do it. Children and Young people need us to be role models. They need to see how much fun it can be and get a sense of how worthwhile it is. The future of junior sport depends on us to do this. I know we are all busy these days with work and family commitments but we must forge ahead for the betterment of swimming, sport and the community in general.

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

My volunteering journey began when our eldest daughter joined the club in 2007, and I instantly became a committee member. From there, I expressed an interest in learning the role of team selector for the Upper North Interclub Friday night competitions and have continued this role to today. At our very first open carnival, I was introduced to the role of Recording using handicap cards by Deb Hombsch, and continued with this role for a few years before stepping outside my comfort zone and learning the role of Announcer.

With the club purchasing the Dolphin Timing System, I took the initiative to learn both the Meet Manager and Team Manager programs. This knowledge enabled me to assist other clubs at their carnivals, and teaching new volunteers. Over the years, I have held many roles within the club, and each one has given me valuable experience, deepened my understanding of swim meet operations, and strengthened my commitment to supporting the swimming community.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

There have been many memories and moments over the years. As a team selector, some of my favourite moments have been watching new swimmers step up to compete for the first time. Seeing their excitement, determination, and then watching them achieve amazing personal bests, those moments are truly special and incredibly rewarding.

I have trained others in using Meet Manager at open carnivals, and it's been rewarding to see fellow members grow in confidence using the program. The friendships I’ve made over the years within my club, with members of other clubs, and with SwimmingSA staff and officials has created some wonderful memories.

Receiving Life Membership to the Comets has been the most meaningful personal moment for me. Being recognised for my passion, commitment, and dedication, not just to the club, but to other clubs and the sport as a whole, was an incredible honour.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

Club roles: Committee member, Secretary, Treasurer, Team Selector, Nominations Officer, Registrar, Coach, Team Manager, Publicity officer, inputting results into Team Manager to create meet result reports and club records.

Open Carnival roles: Recorder Handicap Cards and Meet Manager, Announcer, Time Keeper Currently on the Upper North District Swimming Association Board as Treasurer and a member of the organising committee for the 2026 SA Country Championships being held at Port Pirie.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

Our children is what inspired and motivated me to get involved over the years, and that involvement has helped me feel more connected to the swimming community. It’s incredibly fulfilling and rewarding to contribute to the sport’s success at a local level, meet new people who share the same passion, fostering teamwork, and being a part of our children's swimming journeys.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

Volunteering in swimming has been a valuable experience that has helped me grow in numerous ways. Working together with other volunteers to support the swimmers and club highlights the importance of teamwork and working towards a common goal. Various roles have allowed me to enhance my organisational, communication and leadership skills, as well as adaptability, perseverance and patience.

Perhaps most importantly, this experience has significantly boosted my confidence. Being entrusted with responsibilities and seeing the positive impact of my contributions has been incredibly rewarding, motivating and given me a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

Volunteering is for everyone and you don't need any experience to get started, there are many people to support and guide you along the way. You can learn new skills and gain qualifications, put your existing skills to use, and help make a difference to your club and swimming community.

There are so many ways to volunteer in swimming, whether it's joining a committee, helping out at meets, or becoming an Official. Every contribution counts and helps build a stronger swimming community. It's a great way to meet new people and have fun along the way, whilst your swimmers enjoy swimming!

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

It all started when my then 9 year old daughter came home from school one day and announced that she wanted to join the swim club. Being parents in a small country town, it didn't take long before my wife and I got involved. My wife joined the committee and I joined the club as an adult competitor. That was about 13 years ago. I spent some time with other swimmers trying to help them with their skills, and was asked if I'd consider coaching. I've been coaching now for about 11 years.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

Ultimately strengthening our club, seeing swimmers improve, and helping them achieve their goals and develop as competitors are reasons why I do it. I've enjoyed the success our club has had in the Upper North Inter-club competition particularly the last 4 years (JASC has won a clean sweep of all competition shields 4 years straight). That is success that we have achieved from a lot of work rebuilding the club over a 10 year period, with the help of some very motivated people. It's also been fun attending country carnivals, and helping our swimmers achieve success at Country and State LC events. We are definitely punching above our weight. I should also mention being awarded life membership at our swim club was a special memory which I certainly never expected and am very humbled by.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

I've been coaching at JASC (Emperors) for 11 years, and acting as head for about the last 8 years, all volunteer work. I'll do anything around the club which needs to be done from working-bees, or acting as a technical official at our Friday night inter-club competition, or at open carnivals in our region. My experiences as a coach and a competitor have given me opportunities to help others in their coaching journey, which I have also enjoyed.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

Giving something back to the community. I think we have achieved something pretty special at JASC, creating a welcoming and inclusive club culture. Our club is as strong as it has ever been, with our swimmer numbers rivalling some city clubs (Jamestown and district only has a population of 1600 people). It is incredible when you consider we have limited pool access and only train during the summer months.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

I've been fortunate to be involved in coaching, as the training courses I've done have not only helped with technical aspects of swimming. There is a lot of emphasis on planning and delivering training sessions, and also how to think on your feet and adapt to different people and the way they learn. Every swimmer is different, and if you keep an open mind you can learn a lot about yourself and how people react to your delivery of info.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

Keep an open mind, and be prepared to challenge yourself to try something new. I get a little frustrated by closed minded people, if you want to move forward you need to think outside the box. Just get involved, I was actually a little reluctant when my daughter first wanted to try swimming because I knew what kind of commitment swimming can be. I'm so glad she did as I was able to help both my daughters develop their swimming along with countless others over the last 11 years of coaching. I've also been a part of helping grow and strengthen our club and influence its culture.

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

When my son started competition level swimming at age of 8, started doing timekeeping like most of the swimming parents.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

When I am cheering for the relay teams, and when I guide first time young swimmers to marshalling and walking along the pool side to support them to finish their first race.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

I have done four years of the club open program and assisted club open coordinator run 2 days club open in February from 2021 to 2024, officiating local and state meets/championships, and coaching country and state level swimmers.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

Would like to see more children and younger people having fun, keeping fitness and learning a life skill.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

Be positive, calm, caring and hummable. Hard work between swimmers and coaches will be paid off.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

Give everything a go, more you are involved, the more you feel confident to do it. In swimming, we talk about personal best that includes volunteer as well.

1. Can you share how you first got involved with volunteering in Swimming?

I was a competitive swimmer until I was 14 and suffered an ongoing back injury. I helped put my club for the year as a volunteer offical. After sometime I was fortunate enough to be selected to the National State Team competition. From here I found out the pathway available and the great community in officiating and I was hooked.

2. What are some of your favourite memories or moments from your time as a Volunteer in our sport?

I think the highlight would have to be the 2018 Commonwealth Games. To have the honour of being selected and then standing front and centre to see athletes compete from around the world was incredible. It certainly was a cherished memory to be standing poolside during some amazing racing. To make effective decisions in a high pressure environment was a unique and challenging experience which has help shape my officiating experience moving forward.

3. What roles and/or responsibilities have you taken on (perhaps currently doing) as a Volunteer within in your club?

I enjoy being able to travel to country meets and assist clubs with their open carnival watching swimmers from all experience levels give it there best. Then working for my club at state level meets watching our swimmers compete.

I’ve been fortunate to now represent my club as a National offical and Referee at championships around the country. I enjoy being able to catch up with club members and be present during some fantastic team moments.

I’ve also fortunately represented my club and country at International Championships including the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships and look forward to striving for more valuable opportunities in the future.

4. What inspiries or motivates you to give your time to the Sport of Swimming?

I value the team environment, the opportunity to drive with colleagues towards the same goal of allowing fair competition and providing a platform for all swimmers to achieve their best.

I enjoy watching first time swimmers and adapting the competition to ensure they feel welcomed, safe and can enjoy their experiences.

I strive to achieve excellence for the sport, working toward what we can all do better for our swimmers and how I can take the experience I gain to competitions across the country and world.

5. What has Volunteering in Swimming taught you - personally and/or professionally?

It has taught me great maturity and professionalism through being a traditionally adult environment for officials. It has enhanced my teamwork skills and drive to work hard toward goals.

6. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Volunteer in Swimming?

The opportunities available as a swimming officials are incredible. It is an enjoyable way to stay involved in the sport with flexible time commitments.

If you want a challenging and unique experience as an outlet from the normal working life and can match it with a passion for the world of swimming the officiating is a great way to stay involved in the sport.

If you’re a young swimmer and want to be involved. Then look to our current young officials and our junior whistle blowers program, let us know your keen and we will do everything we can to ensure you enjoy your time on pool deck, have pretty of opportunity and learn some great skills.