DEFRA is seeking views on proposals to update the Government’s strategy for the inland waterways of England and Wales.

This is an opportunity to make sport and recreation a delivery priority for inland waterways in England and Wales. DEFRA is looking for examples of the benefits that these activities can deliver, what needs to be done to encourage all those who benefit from the waterways to contribute to their upkeep and how we can work together to secure a sustainable future for the waterways.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has begun the process of sourcing over 180 support boats (non-competition) for the Sailing, Rowing, Canoeing, Triathlon and Open water swim events to be staged in the summer of 2012.

Over the course of March 2010, LOCOG is seeking to engage three different marine market sectors. The three separate opportunities will cover the commercial charter of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) and motor yachts, the purchase of RIBs and other boats direct from the manufacturers and the sourcing of outboard motors direct from the marine engine manufacturers.

Eight of Britain’s best open water swimmers took part in the Midmar 10km International as they competed in their second and final race in South Africa.

The women took a clean-sweep of the medals for the second time in two days as Olympic medallist Cassie Patten took gold in 2:06.05 closely followed by Sophie Casson in silver with a time of 2:07.01 and Keri-Anne Payne finishing in third in 2:10.29.

World Champion Keri-Anne Payne retained her title in South Africa’s Midmar Mile race on Valentine’s day as the Brits took all of the podium places in the women’s race.

Olympic silver medallist Payne touched home first in 19 m 24 s, closely followed by team-mates Katy Whitfield winner of the Great London Swim, in 19 m 27 s and Olympic bronze medallist Cassie Patten in 19 m 30 s.

Charlotte Wooliscroft was fourth in 19 m 34 s with Sophie Casson taking fifth place in the race.

World Championship swimmer Daniel Fogg took silver in the men’s race with European Junior medalist Tom Allen taking eighth. British Gas ITC Stockport swimmer David Carry came 13th.

World 10km Champion Keri-Anne Payne will lead a nine-strong team into action at the Midmar mile and Midmar 10km race with both taking place in South Africa.

The British team, powered by British Gas, also features Olympic medallists David Davies and Cassie Patten and European Junior medallist Tom Allen.

European Junior Open Water Championships 2010
31 July - 1 Aug 2010, Hoorn, Netherlands
Download Junior Selection Policy (Oct 09)

European Open Water Swimming Championships 2010
4 – 5 August 2010 Balaton Hungary
Download Selection Policy (Oct 09)

14-15 January 2010 - Bangkok

The following information will be of interest
- Open water swimming
- Anti-doping programme
Coaches Commission
- Athletes Commission
- Swimwear

Almost all the places on the Great North Swim 2010 have been snapped up, only six weeks since it opened for entries.

More than 7,000 people have signed up for the event at Lake Windermere in September. Only a limited number of charity places are now available. Now in its third year, the swim in Cumbria raises money for charities and provides a boost to the local economy.

Licensed ASA coaches are invited to participate in a survey looking at coach attitudes and perceptions regarding a number of psychological constructs.

This survey is part of a PhD study jointly funded by Loughborough University and Nottingham Trent University and is supported by the ASA. It is hoped that the results of this study will help to further coach education in the area of sport psychology by enabling a more targeted approach towards specific coach needs.

There was an excellent turnout of 38 for the Club Xmas lunch at the Ocean Palace Chinese Restaurant, Priory Road, Bournemouth on 6 December 2009. 15 had swam in the sea earlier, leaving the water grinning like idiots.

It doesn’t seem like 12 months since we were praising 2008 achievements but thanks to our coaches, canoeists, Committee, volunteers and club members 2009 has been another successful year for the Club. We had great pleasure in announcing our 2009 Roll of Honour: