PAUL Aberline believes teaching and coaching go hand-in-hand.

The Emmanuel College teacher was awarded Warrnambool Swimming Club life membership last Saturday night following more than two decades of service, as a competitor and coach.

Coaching was the perfect fit for Aberline following his decision to retire from the pool 15 years ago.

“I was able to work as a swimming coach throughout uni and have had a big opportunity to see a lot of young swimmers come through the ranks and achieve really well,” he said.

Aberline said Warrnambool had an exciting crop of young swimmers coming through the ranks.

“We have a great bunch of kids and it’s always fun to go and coach them,” he said.

“I have a teaching background and enjoy dealing with young adults and with coaching that continues.

“You see them get PBs, medals and qualifying times. It’s all a bit of a thrill.”

Aberline, 35, joins his mother Muriel as a life member of the AquaZone-based club. 

They are the only mother-son combination to receive the honour.  “I have been involved in swimming for a large part of my life, in particular with Warrnambool Swimming Club,” Aberline said.

“It was a big shock. I wasn’t expecting it at all.”

“That is a big thrill as well (joining mum). Mum was awarded an award at the start of the year from Swimming Victoria for her service as well.

“She still referees and helps out wherever at carnivals.”

The Warrnambool-born Aberline swam competitively until 2000, making nationals at junior and senior levels in his pet event, backstroke.

“Swimming has taken me a lot of places; to a lot of places around Australia,” he said.

Warrnambool Swimming Club also celebrated its high achievers on Saturday night.

Blake Turner received the most consistent award, Emily Bartlett was named the most improved swimmer, Caitlyn Mackay collected the performance award and Harrison Holmes, Tully Watt and Billy McPhee all accepted coaches’ awards.

Club championship standings were: 9 years and under girls: 1st Johanna McKenzie, 2nd Tess Worrall; 9 years and under boys: 1st Massimo Da Ros, 2nd Charles Gleeson; 10/11 girls: 1st Rachel Vickery, 2nd Chloe Windahl, 3rd Amy Johnston; 10/11 boys: 1st Harrison Holmes, 2nd Alexander Johnston, 3rd Ethan Best; 12/13 girls: 1st Emily Bartlett, 2nd Jane Fenton, 3rd Tori Parsons; 12/13 boys: 1st Robert Gleeson, 2nd Will Turner, 3rd Sebastian Good; 14-15 girls: 1st Holly Windahl, 2nd Hannah Justin, 3rd Georgina Vallance; 14/15 boys: 1st Blake Turner, 2nd Jason Pritchard, 3rd Mitchell Gristede; 16 and over girls: 1st Meg Flaherty, 2nd Ashleigh Pettigrew, 3rd Caitlyn Mackay; 16 and over boys: 1st William McPhee, 2nd Thomas Buckley, 3rd Jamin Baulch.