The floods of 2015 were the final blow for the struggling club when they stopped competing. However, a group of enthusiastic swimmers, assisted by past committee members Ian and Davina Lathwell have managed to reactivate the club which is now once again registered with Swimming NSW.   

The club is committed to providing a meet each month at Stroud Community Swimming Pool. 

Stroud Seals has a number of competitive swimmers who train at Lakeside Leisure Centre all year. These swimmers regularly compete at local, regional and state carnivals.  The next carnival for the Seals is the North Coast Regional Swimming Championships at Coffs Harbour.  

The Club held its first meet on Sunday, October 28 on a rather grim spring day.  However, the grey skies could not dampen the enthusiasm of a group of about 40 swimmers, parents and officials. Club Coach and President, Michael Abel, organised and ran a free coaching session with the assistance of junior coach, 19-year-old Tim Tatchell.  The Swim Club Meet contained a mixture of fun events as well as more serious events. 

“The focus is on encouraging participation and learning the rules of competitive swimming in a supportive and enjoyable environment,” said club secretary Maria Francisci

The swimmers range in age from some of the parents, just a bit over 30 years in age down to smaller swimmers such as Levi Jenkins, Aden Hirschausen and Emanuel Gray who are Junior Dolphins which mean they are under 7 years of age and also swim for free.

President Michael Abel has a focus on encouraging senior swimmers to ‘give back’ to the club and provide mentoring and example to younger swimmers on how to behave and have fun in a competitive environment. 

“Belonging to the Club means swimmers are part of a team and the monthly Swim Club Meet allows swimmers to meet and interact socially and learn new skills all at the same time,” said Mrs Francisci.

James Newall, assistant coach and  a State Open swimmer, also attended the Club Meet to assist with the organisation..  James, a Physiotherapy student, at Newcastle University, is running Swimming Coaching Lessons every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning until the end of January at Stroud. These lesson aim to teach children using the Junior Dophins program  James can be contacted on his email james@awstructures.com.au

The meet finished with a BBQ and a chocolate birthday cake for Charlie Hirschausen. 

Next Swim Club meet is scheduled for November 18  and all interested are most welcome to attend.