Somerset ASA - Knowledge Base

#13: Are there any tips for supporting children at swimming events?

It’s completely normal to become emotional when supporting your child at swimming events. It shows you care, are involved in their life, and keen to share the pressure with them as they compete.

But when supporting your child at swimming events it’s important to be calm and supportive, rather than turning in to an overbearing “balcony ogre” once your child hits the water.

We know the pool balcony can be a stressful area. Hundreds of parents all desperate to communicate with their child mixed with the stifling sauna-like atmosphere of the pool. It’s not easy to keep calm.

However, no matter what happens, or how tense things get, it’s important that you maintain discipline, poise, confidence and control. Your kids will thank you for it and it’ll help them perform better.

Ask your child how they would like you to be. While few kids like a balcony ogre barking negative comments, they may want you in the front row of the balcony, whooping and cheering for them as they line up to race. On the other hand, they may find it a bit off-putting and anxiety inducing, and would rather you remained calm and quiet. So, tip one is ask first.

Try to remember that although you’re sat within a crowd, your actions and words will still be noticed, most of all by your child. Think before you shout, and keep your body language, actions and your words positive.

If you’re starting to feel any frustration, try taking slow, deep breaths to keep calm. If something’s gone particularly badly, try counting down from 100 in your head, to give you time to form a rational response.

Try not to get sucked in to competing with other parents. Everyone wants their child to be the best – it’s natural. However, it’s your child’s sport, so try to just enjoy watching and be supportive. Leave the competitiveness to them. If you need to compete, join a Masters club and compete in the pool.

If you’re feeling particularly annoyed with your child’s performance, or are struggling to keep your cool on the balcony, try adopting relaxation skills. Imagine a relaxing scene, repeating a calming phrase, or putting some headphones in with some chilled music on may all help you to keep relaxed. Try some visualisation exercises before the race. You can find out more about visualisation here.

Video: Dr Camilla Knight talks about the support of parents of talented young athletes. The focus for young people at competitions is to enjoy it and perform to the best of their ability. Parents are important before and after training and competitions to offer support and help their child, reviewing with them what it going well and things they may want to work on. The most important thing is to make sure your child knows that you’re looking forward to watching them and that effort and performance is what counts – not winning.

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#21: Can Masters compete in open water events?

#50: What should I consider before entering an open water competition?

Completing an open water swim is a fantastic achievement. But before you dive in there are a few open water swimming questions you need to ask yourself.

It’s easy to forget something as you take the plunge for the first time. Think of these open water swimming questions as a preparation checklist.

If you can’t answer yes to all of them think twice about taking part. After all, it’s about having fun but keeping safe. So, here’ are the top nine questions

Do you know who you are swimming with? It can be dangerous to swim open water on your own. Always swim with someone and know who they are. It’s a good idea to get into open water with a friend.
Do you know the weather conditions? Weather can play a huge part in the difficulty of open water swimming conditions. If you feel unsafe, don’t get in.
Do you know the route you are taking? Seems like a fairly simple one but you MUST plan your route carefully and make sure someone else knows where you are going.
Do you know where you will get in and out of the water? Again, this may not be your biggest worry but you should plan where you are entering and exiting the water.
Have you practised swimming in your wetsuit? Wearing a wetsuit changes your swimming stroke slightly so it’s best to practice in a pool beforehand.
Do you know the temperature of the water? Swimsuits keep you warm but the water will still be very cold. Get used to it slowly. If you feel your body getting too cold, get out.
Do you know what you will eat before and after your swim? Exercise and cold water will sap your energy. Time your food for energy boosts.
Do you have goggles and lubricant? Swimming in lakes, rivers and seas there is poor water visibility. Wear goggles. If you’re swimming in a group, tuck your goggle strap into your swim hat so they aren’t knocked out of position by accident. Lubricant isn’t essential but it’s a very useful for putting around the neck to avoid chaffing from your wetsuit.
If you are swimming a loch, have you asked about weirs? Tide times are crucial to know when learning about the best times to swim in a loch. Be aware of rip currents and what to do if you become caught in one.

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#59: Is there any guidance on planning overseas trips for business/ overseas competitions / club training?

#68: Is there any guidance on organising Masters meets?

#70: What is the required membership category for masters swimmers to compete in the Inter-Counties?

#84: What do we need to consider on race day for an open water event?

Both swimmer and coach should be aware of any specific safety requirements to be implemented during the race.

As a general rule, open water swimmers will approach race day in a similar way to pool swimmers. These additional points may be useful:

pre-race meal and fluids should be about 2 hours before competition;
review signals to be used between support crew and swimmer;
have adequate food and fluids in the support craft (keep them in water-tight containers prior to use);
have adequate first aid supplies, including blankets (i.e. if the race is terminated due to hypothermia) in the support craft;
be aware of any course hazards; and
take precautions against the loss of body heat and protect against sunburn.

It is often helpful for the handler in the support craft to have a large plastic board and waterproof markers for writing messages (i.e. stroke rate, split times, etc.) to relay to the swimmer. Feeding stops should be well rehearsed. Allow the boat to approach the swimmer when feeding is signalled (don't take the swimmer off course by making him/her swim to the boat).

Prior to the race, decide on a strategy for the start; it may be impossible for the support craft to move into a parallel position with the swimmer until the pack of swimmers thins out.

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#85: Why is stroke rating especially important in an open water event?

Probably the most important method of knowing a swimmer’s own handling of a swim is his/her stroke rating. All swimmers must, before undertaking an open water swim, know their comfort zone in relation to stroke rating. During training all swimmers should have swum in open water. From these swims, stroke per minute readings should have been taken. During a race, the prime requisite to the swimmer is to know their stroke rating. As a reference point, between 76 and 88 strokes seems to be the comfort zone, depending on the size of the swimmer.

Hypothetically, from their training, 83 strokes per minute would have a swimmer holding 5 minutes for 400 metres, 80/81 is down a bit to a possible 5 minutes 5 seconds, and 85/86 is too fast at around 4 minutes 55 seconds and must be slightly pulled back. Just those few strokes too early can be paid for dearly later on.

However, coaches / handlers need to be aware that technique and stroke ratings depend very heavily on environmental conditions.

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#88: Why should I wear a swim cap when swimming in open water?

#122: What tips do you have to plan and prepare for race day at British Summer Nationals and Swim England Summer Meet?

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Keyword: Competition