Mission Statement
The Borough of Harrow Swimming Club is dedicated to fostering a love for swimming by providing high-quality coaching and a supportive environment for swimmers of all abilities. We strive to inspire and empower our members to achieve their full potential, both in and out of the water, through dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Our goal is to build a strong community where every swimmer is encouraged, valued, and given the opportunity to excel at every level, from learning to swim to competitive success.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to be a leading swimming club that nurtures athletes from the grassroots to elite levels, contributing to the development of confident, disciplined, and skilled swimmers. We aim to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where every individual, regardless of age or ability, feels motivated to pursue their personal best. By promoting physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of belonging, we aspire to cultivate future champions and lifelong swimmers who take pride in their achievements and contribute to a thriving swimming community.
ABOUT US
The Borough of Harrow Swimming Club (BHSC) is one of North West London’s leading competitive swimming clubs, proudly serving the local community since 1976. Founded with the vision of promoting excellence in swimming and creating opportunities for young people to thrive in sport, BHSC has built a strong reputation for high-quality coaching, athlete development, and an inclusive family environment.
As an affiliated member of Swim England, the national governing body for swimming in England, the club follows nationally recognised standards for coaching, safeguarding, athlete welfare, and long-term swimmer development.
BHSC welcomes swimmers of all ages and abilities — from complete beginners taking their first strokes, to experienced athletes competing at County, Regional, and National level competitions. Our swimmers range in age from 4 years old through to Masters swimmers aged 65+.
Our Philosophy
At BHSC, we believe swimming is more than just a sport. It develops:
- Confidence
- Discipline
- Resilience
- Teamwork
- Commitment
- Lifelong fitness and wellbeing
Our goal is to create a positive and supportive environment where every swimmer can achieve their personal best, whether their ambition is to learn to swim confidently, improve fitness, or compete at elite level.
Learn to Swim & Athlete Development
For younger swimmers, BHSC follows Swim England’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) pathway, focusing on progressive skill development appropriate to each swimmer’s age and stage of growth.
Our structured pathway emphasises:
- Water confidence and safety
- Stroke technique and efficiency
- Starts, turns, and race skills
- Endurance and fitness development
- Competitive racing experience
- Personal goal setting and progression
Swimmers progress through carefully structured squads based on:
- Age
- Ability
- Commitment
- Attendance
- Competition readiness
Competitive Pathway
BHSC offers a comprehensive competitive pathway designed to support swimmers at every stage of their journey.
Junior Development Squads
Focused on:
- Building strong technical foundations
- Improving all four competitive strokes
- Developing starts, turns, and streamlining
- Introducing competitive racing skills
Competitive & Performance Squads
Designed for swimmers training and competing at a higher level, with:
- Structured weekly training programmes
- Competition preparation
- Performance monitoring
- Advanced technical and tactical coaching
- Strength, conditioning, and athlete education
We actively encourage swimmers to participate in:
- Club Championships
- Internal galas
- Licensed open meets
- County Championships
- Regional Championships
- National competitions
More Than Just Swimming
BHSC is committed to developing not only successful swimmers, but confident young people. Many of our older swimmers continue their journey within the club through:
- Assistant coaching opportunities
- Swim teaching qualifications
- Volunteering and mentoring
- Leadership development
- Officiating and team support roles
This helps young athletes remain engaged in the sport while developing valuable life and career skills.
A Safe & Supportive Environment
The welfare and wellbeing of our swimmers is at the heart of everything we do. BHSC operates in line with Swim England safeguarding and welfare standards, providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members.
We pride ourselves on maintaining:
- Qualified and experienced coaches
- Strong safeguarding procedures
- Positive club culture
- Family and community values
- Equal opportunities for all swimmers
Join BHSC
Whether your child is learning to swim, aiming to compete, or simply looking to enjoy the sport in a supportive environment, BHSC offers a pathway for everyone.
We are proud of our history, our swimmers, our coaches, and our community — and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of swimmers to the Borough of Harrow Swimming Club.
