Competition swimming and aquatics
As the coordinator for the swimming and aquathlon teams for the annual London Youth Games, Saxon Crown has considerable experience in encouraging and teaching competitive swimming.
The club provides a range of competitive swimming opportunities working within the principles of Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) as well as offering high level coaching for swimming, open water swimming and swimming for fun and fitness.
They also offer competitive swimming coaching for adults and children with disabilities in the Saxon Crown Tiger Sharks Club and have a masters section for people aged 18 and over.
Saxon Crown athletes have gone on to represent Lewisham at regional, national and international level.
Diving
Although the borough has no dedicated diving school, we are committed to our diving talent ID programmes operated by Saxon Crown, enter a diving team in the London Youth Games, and have strong links to London Schools diving.
The National Plan for Teaching Swimming, which is followed in all of our swimming lesson programmes, teaches the fundamental principles of diving.
The nearest diving club is Crystal Palace Diving Club.
If you are interested in learning to dive competitively, or you are an established diver who wants to progress contact Chris Snode, London Schools Diving Manager for more information about getting involved.
Octopush – underwater hockey
Octopush is fast and furious aerobic game. It is now played worldwide and you can join in.
Visit the British Octopush Association website for more information and contact details.
Just about anyone who can swim can learn to use a snorkel and a mask. Octopush is open to good swimmers aged 14 and over and disabled swimmers. You don't need to join the club to learn the sport and get stuck in.
The Lewisham underwater hockey club trains at Forest Hill Pools. For more information about training times and sessions contact Alan Quaterman.
Sub-aqua / scuba diving
Swimmers aged 12 and over can learn to scuba dive with Bromley Diving Club (BSAC), a friendly and active dive club who welcome divers of all level of qualification from complete beginners to qualified divers.
Based at the Bridge Leisure Centre, Sydenham, the club meet on Mondays for diver training, snorkelling and general swimming by members and their families.
Visit the Bromley Diving Club website for more information and contact details.
Other aquatic sports and activities
Many swimming pools offer water polo, snorkelling and rookie lifeguard training as holiday activities for children, but are looking to expand this in the near future.
Contact your nearest pool for more information about the aquatic sports they provide for fun and fitness.