Writing in his monthly President's message, he explained how the national governing body has carried out a review of its internal governance practices since last year's Royal Commission investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse against coaches.

He spoke of the development of "a proactive and preventative approach to tackling inappropriate behaviour" and highlighted Working with Children Checks as one of the means to ensure appropriate procedures are in place before apologising to the victims.

"Importantly, since the Royal Commission, we also met with victims who feel they have been misunderstood and poorly treated by Swimming Australia in the past and, in some instances, situations which took place over 20 years ago," Bertrand said.

"Unfortunately we cannot change what has occurred in the past, nonetheless to those victims and their families Swimming Australia unreservedly apologises for the distress that may have been caused."

He reiterated the organisation's zero tolerance policy against abuse of any kind, insisting "there is no room for child abuse, bullying, sexual discrimination or discrimination generally within the sport of swimming in this country" and said a Judiciary Panel, chaired by a legal expert, has been set up for handling serious allegations of misconduct.

John Coates announced that all coaches, staff and officials will undergo a mandatory Working with Children Check before they can become a member of the nation's team for the Rio 2016 Games ©Getty Images


"Sport should enrich the lives of all who are involved and we all have the right to enjoy our sport, at whichever level we participate," Bertrand added.

"The safety and enjoyment of all participants, especially our young, is absolutely paramount and is our guiding principle in everything we do."

The apology coming in the form of a monthly email, which featured other news, has, however, attracted criticism, with victims saying it lacked depth and sincerity.

"Saying I unreservedly apologise is not enough - saying 'I am sorry' - that would help me move along in healing," one victim told Australia's Daily Telegraph.

Another said: "It's like saying sorry behind a closed door and whispering it.

"Sending it internally is acknowledging it...but we were ridiculed publicly so the apology needs to be public, there's no point sending it just internally and to select media.

"An apology should be: 'we are sorry.'

"It's not about covering yourself."

The shockwaves of the scandal were felt beyond of swimming and the revelations saw the Australian Olympic Committee announcing last November that all coaches, staff and officials will undergo a mandatory Working with Children Check before they can become a member of the nation's team for the Rio 2016 Games.

John Coates, President of the National Olympic Committee, said he introduced the policy "to protect all members of our Olympic teams and create a child safe environment".

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November 2014: Australian Olympic team members to undergo mandatory child abuse checks