MANSFIELD Swim Club is making a splash this season with a record 82 swimmers registered, keeping coaches and committee members busier than ever.

Club president and coach Alli Walker shared her excitement about the surge in interest.

"We’re thrilled to see so many swimmers joining us this year, but managing lane space has been a challenge as we work to accommodate everyone,” said Alli.

The club is fortunate to have three committed coaches excited to take on the challenge with Amelie Walker and Guy Evans joining Alli on pool deck.

The club’s rigorous training schedule includes early morning sessions during school terms, with squads hitting the pool at 6:30am on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 7am on Fridays.

To support their young athletes, the club provides a parent-organised breakfast program featuring toasties, fruit, and yogurt before swimmers head off to school.

Afternoons are just as lively, with squads training from the deep end of the pool from 4pm to 6:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

January and the school holidays haven’t slowed the squads down with training sessions running on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7.30am to 9am.

The club has also been actively preparing swimmers for competitions.

On Sunday January 5, five swimmers braved the heat to compete in Yarrawonga, marking the first races of 2025.

Heidi and Hannah Setchell, Vivian and Harvey Knight, and Josephine Taylor represented Mansfield with determination and skill whilst also managing to celebrate Vivian’s 10th birthday.

Looking ahead, Mansfield will have two swimmers competing at the State Sprints at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) on Saturday, January 11.

The following weekend, two swimmers will travel to Mildura for the Victorian Country Championships, a three-day event starting January 17.

With a packed schedule and plenty of talent in the water, Mansfield Swim Club is diving into 2025 with high energy and enthusiasm.