Ruffec: Val de Charente Natation makes its mark in the Aquaval basin

MWednesday, 2 p.m., the Aquaval community swimming pool in Ruffec resonates with the cries of young swimmers, joined by Julien, the lifeguard. A scene which had become unusual on the site, while the historic Ruffécois Nautical Club had not resumed its activities when the swimming pool reopened in August 2021. “The culmination of a long work by volunteers to recreate a club swimming in the region”, admits Christian Lépine, president of Val de Charente Natation (1), the new swimming sports club created last June in Ruffec, affiliated with the French Swimming Federation, which benefited from a subsidy of the community of municipalities of Val-de-Charente and a helping hand from Crédit Mutuel.

“There are already around ten children per category. »

A highly anticipated club in the region. The proof: around fifty swimmers have already joined the club since it started on November 6. Swimming sessions led by Aquaval lifeguards, made available by the community and paid for by the club. Two slots per week are offered for each category: 6-11 year olds on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., 12-15 year olds the same at 2:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. “There are already around ten children per category”, underlines Catherine Genaix, the treasurer, pointing out a license costing €130 per year, “a single price for all which includes the contribution and membership to the FFN “.

For the swimming instructors who welcome school students all week, the objectives of the French Swimming Federation are different from those of National Education. “If, during school time, we focus on familiarizing children with water, the swimming school allows complete learning of the four strokes, breaststroke, crawl, backstroke and butterfly, to pass certificates such as the pass competition and ultimately, to compete against other clubs through official competitions. »

New registrations in progress

A little early for the just reconstituted club but Julien, lifeguard, welcomes the rebirth, essential for the region. We meet Pierre, 10 years old, who suffers from asthma and for whom swimming will be beneficial. Further afield, Ethan returns to Ruffec after moving to Chasseneuil and Mansle in recent years.

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Adults are not forgotten and they have two slots on Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. to benefit from advice from supervisors as part of leisure swimming. “We have already registered around twenty licensees and requests are in progress,” explains the new club, which has set up groups at levels from beginners to experienced, for children and adults. Please note that the first three sessions are free for discovery.

In order to strengthen the club, the leaders will organize a new general assembly at the beginning of January where new leaders will be able to come forward and the king cake will be shared. “We need to work on moments of conviviality within the club,” says Sylvie Cordeau, assistant treasurer. Even if the competition is not on the agenda, an internal club challenge will be organized before the summer, always with the aim of connecting members.

(1) Contact: [email protected] and 06 20 93 31 06.