Sad passing of Alan Capstick

Alan Capstick sadly passed away on Tuesday following a brave battle with cancer.

Past President of NDSA 2001 and SENER 2006
BLACK CAT SUPPORTER from Roker Park to the Stadium of Light

It is with regret the Swim England North East Region and the Northumberland and Durham Swimming Association note the passing of Alan Capstick. We express our sincere condolences to the family.
Alan first became involved in swimming when as a 16 year old he joined the South Shields Volunteer Lifeguard Club being a member of the Senior Mens Team which reached the finals of the National Lifeguard Championships held in Bognor Regis in 1977.
Alan was also area organiser for the Royal Life Saving Society, and was honoured with the President’s Certificate for services rendered over the years.
Alan became involved with Competitive Swimming in the early 1990’s like so many in the sport through his paternal interests in his children, Joanne, Simon and Rachel. He was a Committee Member of the NDSA, City of Newcastle Swimming Club and Chairman of South Tyneside Swimming Club.
Alan became a Swimming Official qualifying as a Referee but his major officiating role was as a Starter. In this role he a had commanding presence on the pool-side and this was recognized by his appointment to the FINA List of International Starters being appointed to the Kuala Lumpur and Manchester Commonwealth Games and both Long and Short Course European Swimming Championships. In addition to his International appointments Alan continued to Officiate at National, Regional, County and Club Events demonstrating his professional commitment to the sport regardless of the level of the Event.
Following on from his active involvement in Pool Swimming he played an important part in the development of the growing sport of Open Water Swimming. Calling on his Professional Qualifications as a Health and Safety Consultant to serve on the ASA Safety Forum and the Technical Open Water Committee. Following the Covid lockdown and the return to swimming Alan provided invaluable help in carrying out the Risk Assessment and practical safety advice for the NDSA Festival of Swimming at Sunderland.
Alan was very much a people person and dedicated family man both to his immediate family wife Pauline, children Joanne Simon and Rachel and Grandchildren and the wider Swimming Family of which he was a most respected Member.

Funeral South Shields Crematorium (NE34 9DT) Tuesday 6th June at 13:15hrs