COMPETITIVE swimming clubs could lose training time if they fail to get accredited.

Greenwich Leisure Limited is currently in talks about only allowing swimming clubs with the Amateur Swimming Association's (ASA) seal of approval to book pool time in the borough's six public pools.

Out of the borough's four competitive clubs, only two are Swim 21 accredited by the ASA.

The accreditation means all adults who work with children at a swimming club have had criminal checks done on them.

It also ensures swimmers receive high-quality training and follow a nationally-recognised club training programme aimed at gettting swimmers to compete at national and international level.

Greenwich Borough Mariners' vice chairman Mike Gregory, whose club is accredited, welcomed the move saying it would improve training in the borough and help swimmers' prospects of getting to the 2012 Olympics.