IF SALINE readings have been little higher than normal at WIRAC, it may be because a few tears slipped into the pool.

A team of swimmers showed their emotion on the last day of laps with a coach who has taken Warwick kids to national glory and put Olympians through their paces.

Last Thursday, Andrew Fidge's 12-year coaching career on the Southern Downs came to a close.

Ten-year-old Connie Seutin was among the young athletes sad to say goodbye to a cherished mentor.

"He's always makes us laugh and he always puts fun into it even if he makes us do a 200," Connie said.

From Clifton to Killarney, there are few pools in the Southern Downs that Mr Fidge hasn't coached in.

Deeper than the water's surface

"Yeah it has been hard, this season has been hard knowing that it's going to be my last," Mr Fidge said.

His reflections go much deeper than the water's surface, as Mr Fidge looks back on a career that fostered lasting friendships with kids and their families.

"In 12 years of teaching Southern Downs kids how to swim, I've taught whole families and kids at all different levels," he said.

His biggest achievement was back in 2006, when two of his best swimmers won national gold medals in back-to-back races.

"To get two national gold medals out of a country 25 meter pool was something pretty special," Mr Fidge said.

Connie's father Peter Seutin said Mr Fidge was a coach like no other.

"The main thing he does is get kids to believe I themselves and know they can do things. That is what his talent is, he makes kids believe in themselves."

For Mr Fidge, the friendships made through swimming squad are what makes the sport worthwhile.

"There's a social side of it. When you're on your own it becomes a lonely sport. Think of all those those people you get to know."

No-Tender Farewell

As Mr Fidge moves on to the next chapter, he prepares to lose tender of his favourite pool in the Southern Downs.

In two days, Mr Fidge's lease on the Killarney pool will be up.

One of four lessees whose tenders were rejected by Southern Downs Regional Council early last year, Mr Fidge is unprepared to drown in a sea of complicated paperwork that has ensued from the council's new pool tender application.

"When they put out (the new) tender document out I will look at it and if it's the same as the last one I am walking away," Mr Fidge said.

"Everyone saw the tender document it went a million miles."

But despite saying goodbye to his lease on "a great old pool", Mr Fidge is looking forward to the next chapter of life in Toowoomba, where his family has recently moved.

Going out with a splash

Mr Fidge and his squad had one final hoorah, with three silver medals in the bag and 14 swimmers qualifying at the state swimming titles last week.

Swimming brothers Cooper and Bailey Harm both made it on to the state team.

But Mr Fidge said it didn't matter whether it was national championships or a local meet, every race was worthwhile.

"You get a kick out of all the races you watch the kids swim," he said.

"They jump up there and they race."

And what makes a good coach?

"Ability, knowledge and how you impart it," Mr Fidge said.

"Plus empathy. You've got to have a good rapport with your swimmers."