It was the early 2000s and Goulburn was in the peak of drought and water restrictions had taken its toll…

“The pool was empty for a long time, mainly because of the drought, so the swimming club numbers fell fairly dramatically,” he told the Post.

It was heartening then for Cummins to see the Goulburn Aquatic Centre bursting to the brim with swimmers at the ACT summer development meet three held on Sunday.

Nearly 200 swimmers from clubs in the ACT, Yass and Crookwell region descended on the centre for the long course (50 metre) meet.

“It’s something we use to run many years ago, but through numerous reasons (drought mainly) it was moved to the AIS in Canberra. Once we got ourselves back into gear it’s now returned,” Cummins said on Sunday.

“And just look out there. The results speak for themselves. It’s a great day for Goulburn.”

The meet is the third leg of the four part summer development series, which is aimed at introducing younger competitors to competitive swimming.

Beginner swimmers are not disqualified for incorrect stroke; instead they are corrected by the referees.

Once they hit ‘break time’ they qualify for intermediate level, which transitions into a more competitive level.

For the upwards of 50 local members who compete at Goulburn Amateur Swim Club that meets every Friday, the transition from club to ACT level should be an easy transition, says Cummins.

“I think we have 167 members, of which 57 or 58 of those are young kids swimming on Friday nights or Club nights. We make it so the next level will be very similar, the same sights and sounds and same procedures,” he said.

He hopes the Club can now nominate for bigger events.

“What we would like to aim for in the future is to opt for a qualifying meet which is a two day meet. So restaurants and hotels will benefit, that is the ultimate aim I think.”