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Local swim coach banned from sport for life amid sexual misconduct allegations

By Kathryn Burcham
By Kathryn Burcham

HAVERHILL, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A popular local swim coach has been banned from the sport for life amidst allegations of sexual misconduct.

FOX25 learned Matt Forrest was permanently suspended by USA Swimming, the national governing body of the sport in the United States, in mid-June.

According to USA Swimming, Forrest violated the Safe Sport code of conduct in two instances.

Specifically, Forrest was found to have made "...sexual contact or advance directed towards an athlete by a coach...who, in the context of swimming, is in a position of authority over that athlete," according to statements on the USA Swimming website.

In a statement, officials at USA Swimming told FOX25, "[It] is deeply committed to safety and welfare of all its members. It is the mission of the Safe Sport Program to increase awareness to reduce the risk for abuse in sport and our organization has no tolerance for violations of our Code of Conduct."

Forrest was a coach and owner of SOLO Aquatics, which practiced at Haverhill High School.

Prior to that, he coached the New England Barracudas for four years, according to his biography on SOLO's website.

Haverhill district  officials confirmed he was also a part-time employee at the school for several years, contracted to oversee certain swim times and help with swim meets.

Haverhill Public Schools officials told FOX25, "To the best of our knowledge, he had no interaction with any students of Haverhill Public Schools."

"I remember him timing the meets," said Eileen Hubbard.

Her two sons swam for Haverhill High, and Hubbard was shocked by the allegations.

"This is heartbreaking news, this is awful," Hubbard said. "It's kind of a sad world you can't assume your child is going to be fine - you have to always know where they are."

District officials said Forrest abruptly resigned from his duties at Haverhill High School on June 24, telling them he had sold his share in SOLO and was "ready for a change in life."
That move came just 13 days after he was permanently suspended from USA Swimming, according to officials there.

In a statement, co head coach of SOLO Meg Feran said, "The SOLO organization is aware Matt Forrest has been placed on USA Swimming's "Individuals Permanently Suspended or Ineligible" list in response to allegations that he violated USA Swimming's Code of Conduct over a decade ago as a coach of the New England Barracudas prior to the establishment of SOLO Aquatics. We have met with our parents to inform them that Matt Forrest will no longer be part of our program, and are moving forward with the support of officials at USA Swimming and New England Swimming. SOLO is adhering to any and all Safe Sport Guidelines put in place by USA Swimming."

FOX25 attempted to contact Forrest at his home and through phone and email, but he did not return multiple requests seeking comment.

Cox Media Group

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