Squads (for training session details click here)

The Aquanauts club is divided into squads according to experience and ability. Swimmers within the club are encouraged to progress through the squads and to take part in galas appropriate to their age and ability.

​White Fins

First squad out of lessons, which may be swam in conjunction with Aquanauts lessons for some swimmers.

​Swimmers will work on development of stoke technique, drills improve starts and turn. Introduction to stream lining, Lane discipline and the use of the pace clock, as well as gala rules and relays

Silver Fins

​White Fin swimmers progress into Silver Fins, this squad continues to train swimmers for competitive swimming.

Swimmers will continue to improve on their technique, including starts and turns, continued introduction of drills and their correct use. There is continued development of all strokes, through longer sets and drills.

Swimmers will continue to improve on racing starts and finishes as well as lane discipline, continued use and understanding of the pace clock. In this squad we will introduce use of the whiteboard for sets as well as test sets.

Gold Fins

Zircon

​Silver Fin swimmers progress into Gold Fins, this squad continues to train swimmers for competitive swimming and will allow for the transition into Swim West Lothian (SWL), should they wish and the criteria is met.

Here swimmers continue to improve technique and skills for all 4 competitive stokes along with an introduction to an aerobic training programme.

Starts and turns are continued to be worked on as well as lane discipline and use of the pace clock. They are expected to be able to follow instructions on whiteboard, swimming longer distances and having an understanding of the effort expected, checking pulse if required.
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Swimmers gain an understanding of Gala rules and FINA regulations, to allow them to prepare and succeed in National galas.

Zircon is for our competitive swimmers who don’t want to join the SWL Pathway. Swimmers have access to additional training with SWL’s Regional squad, or swimmers who don’t wish to compete but would like a high level of fitness training.

Swimmers are expected to follow a programme of continued endurance, aerobic and speed training, as well as building on the standards from Gold Fins.

Aquanauts Swim West Lothian Swimmers

Swim West Lothian (SWL) Is a performance pathway taking swimmers from 6 of the clubs in West Lothian, and allows swimmers of similar ability to train and compete together. Swimmers who meet the entry criteria are invited to join on trial, swimmers remain members of Aquanauts. Swimmers who do not wish to move to SWL remain at the club. 

SWL Aquanauts Masters

SWL includes a Masters squad aimed at encouraging older swimmers to stay in the sport or parents who wish to return to swimming. It’s a great way to get fit, make new friends and improve stroke technique.
 
Masters swimmers are 16 years or over. Masters swimmers train at Armadale Academy and St Margaret’s Academy. Masters swimmers can also compete in galas. 

For information on club swimming please contact:
Matthew, Aquanauts Club Lead Coach aquanauts.coach@gmail.com