OUR STORY
Great Southern Swimming Club has its roots in Strathalbyn, where the Club began in 1935.
For generations, local swimmers have trained and competed through the Club. The opening of the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre created the opportunity for year-round training and, as the Club began serving a wider area, it became Great Southern Swimming Club.
Today, GSSC trains primarily at the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre, while maintaining its connection with Strathalbyn and the community where the Club began.
We cater for swimmers from their first experience of club swimming through to State and National competition, as well as those who swim for fitness, enjoyment and the social side of being part of a Club.
A lot has changed since 1935. The basics haven’t: helping people swim well, enjoy the sport and be part of a Club.
WHAT MATTERS AT GSSC
BELONG
Be part of the team.
Know your teammates, welcome new swimmers and help people feel included.
GROW
Keep learning.
Listen to feedback, challenge yourself and recognise that improvement looks different for everyone.
SUPPORT
Build others up.
Encourage your teammates and recognise their efforts and achievements.
CONTRIBUTE
Play your part.
Swimmers, families, coaches and volunteers all have a part in making the Club work.
FOR OUR SWIMMERS
YOUR SWIMMING. YOUR TEAM.
Being part of GSSC means pursuing your own swimming while also being part of a team.
Listen to your coaches, engage with the session, ask questions and make the most of the opportunities available to you.
Encourage swimmers at every level, celebrate their achievements and help newer or younger swimmers feel part of the group.
Not every session will feel easy and not every race will be a PB. Learn from feedback, mistakes, challenges and successes.
Treat coaches, teammates, officials, volunteers, pool staff and competitors well.
Your experience matters. Ask questions, share ideas and talk to a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right.
FOR OUR FAMILIES
SUPPORT THE SWIMMER. SUPPORT THE CLUB.
Families are a major part of a swimmer’s sporting experience and of the Club itself.
Times matter, but they aren’t everything. Skills, confidence, friendships and enjoyment matter too.
Our coaches are responsible for technical direction, training and race guidance. Parents and carers have an equally important role in providing encouragement, perspective and practical support.
Community swimming relies on families sharing jobs such as timekeeping, carnivals, fundraising and other Club activities.
The way adults communicate with coaches, officials, volunteers and other families sets the tone for swimmers too.
As swimmers grow, encourage them to pack their own equipment, speak with their coach, understand their training and gradually take responsibility for their sport.
WHEN WE COMPETE
ONE CLUB, WHEREVER WE RACE.
Swimmers can enter any competition for which they are eligible. Some meets are identified as GSSC target or team meets, but Club standards apply whenever a swimmer competes as a GSSC member.
Show respect, good sportsmanship and appropriate behaviour towards teammates, coaches, officials, volunteers and other clubs.
Where GSSC coaches are attending, swimmers should follow their technical and race guidance and check in with them as requested.
Families may be asked to assist with timekeeping or other duties allocated to GSSC. Sharing these responsibilities is part of making competition possible.
Additional arrangements may include team seating, coordinated warm-ups, coach and Team Manager directions to keep the day organised, give younger swimmers a clear and supportive environment, and make it easier for teammates to encourage one another.
OUR PEOPLE
Meet the coaches, Committee and Club Captains behind GSSC.
VOLUNTEERING
From timekeeping and carnivals to officiating and Committee roles, there are plenty of ways to help.
SAFE SPORT
Find our child-safety information, conduct standards and the ways to raise a concern.