South Lake Masters – Local swim club embraces ethos of South Lake Leisure Centre

Out of strong roots, new beginnings grow! Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, South Lake Leisure Centre and Swim Ulster are delighted to welcome the next generation of leisure and competitive adult swimming at South Lake Leisure Centre.

Founded in 1997, Lurgan Masters and Open Water Swimming Club, a club with a rich legacy of 25 years pool and open water swimming, are excited to announce their evolution and dive in to their next 25 years, under their new name of “South Lake Masters Swim Club”.

Having transferred from Waves Leisure Centre, the club wanted to embrace the spirit of the flagship South Lake Leisure Centre that has transformed sporting participation in the council area. Since moving into their new home in 2020, membership has flourished to include almost 100 members. joining from across Northern Ireland.

Head Coach Catherine Hanratty explained:

“In keeping with our ethos, which has inclusivity and physical activity for life at its core, it felt right to not only represent the widening demographic of our membership and the welcoming nature of our swimming family, but also to reflect the positive collaborations within South Lake that have grown from our involvement since 2018 in the novel Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Aquatic Strategy, with Lurgan ASC, Portadown ASC, Ripples Special Olympics Swim Club and Swim Ulster. We wanted to evolve into a club that anyone interested in swimming for fun, fitness or competition would feel welcome to be part of, regardless of where they come from”.

Proud to offer expert voluntary swim coaching for ages 18 to 80 plus, South Lake Masters also promote swimming for life by working with all local swimming clubs, and in partnership with South Lake Leisure Centre Aquatics, helping older teenagers, often lost to the sport, to transition to the world of adult swimming at whatever level they are comfortable with.

“With a choice of up to four instructor-led sessions each week over a range of early mornings, evenings, weekends, and 25m and 50m swimming, as well as experienced open water coaches who regularly lead open water taster and development sessions, there really is something for everyone. Our team of friendly, encouraging coaches are ready to welcome and help you take part, have fun and form lasting friendships.

As many of our members say “…joining us was the best thing they ever did..” and …they wish they had found us sooner”.

For more information on the new club and to get involved, visit their new website and social media here or email