A talented swimmer himself, Robbie has a lot of experience in this field. He has competed nine times at state level and even qualified for the national team.

"From the age of 10 I swam competitively nearly every weekend. My mum, (Sandra Kuehn), who is also a swimming instructor travelled throughout the countryside to enable me to compete and improve my competitiveness. I have even swum competitively at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra," Robbie said.

"I think it's a great sport. We are so lucky to have such great pool facilities here in Lightning Ridge. Many places are not as lucky."

Robbie said he was pleased to be able to input into the kids who showed a desire to improve.

"It's hard work. I've been there and I know what it takes and what it feels like to be the swimmer in the pool, not just the coach on the pool deck. I think the kids like that about me."

Sandra Kuehn and Robbie work together as a mother and son team. Sandra holds the learn to swim and stroke correction classes to get the kids started.

"If she spots talent and needs extra fine tuning she gets me in to help. We work together as a ream and compliment each other," Robbie said.

Robbie commented on the disappointment that the diving tower and heated indoor pool were not completed yet.

"This facility will greatly assist these talented swimmers who need to swim all year round to keep an edge on the competition in Sydney."

Keep up the good work Robbie and good-luck to all the swimmers competing at state level swimming in Sydney for Lightning Ridge.