Kate Bell has arrived in Inverell hauling five years of experience coaching on the Sunshine Coast. She said she is keen to see a stronger all-year swimming presence around town.

“I’m just really looking at developing a really strong swimming community,” Bell said. “I think in the country you are always out camping or playing around dams and water. In the summer it gets hot, and it (swim safety) really is a necessity and should be a given.”

Bell said swimming is not just a skill to keep afloat. It can be a great driver and provide insight long into life.

“I just really believe there is a lot to be learnt from swimming just in terms of life lessons and life skills and attitudes, determination, commitment, patience, all that sort of stuff and just be able to accept where you are at and appreciate all the little wins that come with swimming because you’ve got to work bloody hard for them,” she said.

The experienced coach will be looking to establish a competitive swimming atmosphere around town that sheds light on the diverse sport.

“Swimming is a 12 month sport; it can be a commitment,” she said.

“I believe that from putting yourself out there into that competitive circuit is where all those challenges and life lessons are most going to come into play.”

“For me it is about developing it into very much an IM (individual medley) based program and one where kids can learn to set goals and achieve and learn what it takes to commit and get a job done.”