Our Club offers 3 x free “Come and Try” sessions for new and interested swimmers.
Please check our news section to see when the next one will be held.
For entry to the Development Squad, swimmers need to be able to swim 25m of both freestyle and backstroke, and have some knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly.
FAQs about joining our swim club
TRUE OR FALSE – You have to swim every day of the week
FALSE! We have a number of sessions at both Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale, and there is no compulsory training. You can go to as many sessions as you want each week! As with any sport, the harder you try, the better your result.
TRUE OR FALSE – You have to get up early to go to training
FALSE! We have training sessions after school as well as early morning sessions, so you (and your parents!) can choose which ones you go to that work for you and your lifestyle.
TRUE OR FALSE – You have to swim at competitions every weekend
FALSE! It is entirely up to the swimmer how many swim meets they go to and what level you compete at. There are many swimmers in our squads who are not competing and enjoy swimming training and all the benefits of this, without the pressure of competition.
Fees
Swimming Victoria membership is required by all swimmers of the East Gippsland Waterdragons. The membership allows swimmers to compete at any swim meet and provides insurance coverage whilst participating at a meet and at all scheduled club training sessions. Swimming Victoria memberships must be completed online at the Swimming Victoria website using the Swim Central portal through www.vic.swimming.org.au.
It is also mandatory that each member under 18 years has a parent/guardian registered as a ‘Dry Member’.
Coaching Fees
Coaching Fees vary depending on the squad swimmers are placed in. Invoices will be sent to all swimmers for payment of squad fees.
The smooth operation of the club relies on prompt payment of fees by our members.
Pool Entry Fees
Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BARC) and Lakes Aquadome
In addition to Squad and Membership fees, all swimmers are required to pay an entry fee to the pool. Please contact the Centres to discuss which swim pass option will best suit your requirements – these options include single entry, Swim Pass (10 entries) or Membership (unlimited entry).
Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BARC)
03 5152 5710
https://www.barcleisure.com.au/
Lakes Aquadome
03 5155 3333
https://www.lakesaquadome.com.au/
Competition Fees
GSI (Gippsland Swimming Incorporated) Swimming Meet Race Fees
These fees vary slightly but are usually approximately $20 per day with the exceptions of larger meets, where the entry cost is replaced with a small fee per race entry.
MSAC (Melbourne Sports Aquatic Centre/Other Meet Race Fees
As with the GSI race meets some fees are charged per day but it is more common to be a per race entry charge.
Please note that registration costs are non-refundable.
If you have any further questions regarding competition fees, please contact the club president or secretary.
There are no age barriers, no gender barriers, no ability barriers – anyone can be a swimmer.
We want to inspire everyone to be the swimmer they want to be, because we believe life’s better if you swim.
Benefits of swimming as part of a club:
- Have fun with your friends and make new friends with similar interests
- Learn about time management and goal setting
- Build cardiovascular and physical strength
- Learn to swim both socially and competitively in a safe, inclusive environment
- Great coaching!
How to Join
Your very first step is to contact the Club Registrar for information on joining the East Gippsland Waterdragons Swim Club.
Step 1
Complete the form on this page to make contact with the club!
Step 2
We will then contact you to make a time for the swimmer/s to be assessed by one of our coaches if a “Come and Try” night is not scheduled in the near future.
Step 3
After being assessed. one of our coaches will recommend which squad is best for you! You will then be invited back to finalise your membership application.
Step 4
When your application is approved, you will receive a Welcome Email (which includes the Club Handbook) outlining the next steps.
Step 5
Swimmers are permitted to participate in training sessions as soon as fees, including Swimming Victoria insurance and registration fees, have been paid.
Step 6
The New Member Officer will welcome you to the Club, and you will receive the official Waterdragons swimming cap (non-swimming members do not receive this).