Swimmer Skill Level 
 
Note: 
* ages are a general guideline;  placement is more accurately determined by skill and training level
* coaching staff have final decision on skill group placement
* training times will be confirmed based on registration and space requirements
* swim ages for meets are based on age as of May 1, 2025
* swimmers MUST be 5 as of January 1, 2025 to register
* exhibition swimmers are welcome to register; please email [email protected] to inform of status
 

Swimmer Readiness Criterla

To be register and be successful in competitive swimming, swimmers must be able to demonstrate the following skills:

  • safe entry AND exit from shallow water
  • safe entry AND exit from deep water
  • swim unassisted and continuously for 1 length of the pool (25m)
  • tread water for 15 seconds with mouth, nose, eyes, and ears out of the water
  • ability to listen, follow instruction, and adhere to pool rules
 
Fundamental:   
  • Please note - this is NOT a learn-to-swim program - all junior swimmers will be assessed by coaches to determine if they meet the swimmer readiness criteria
  • Fundamental swimmers should have skills equivalent to completion of Red Cross Swim Kids 4 / Lifesaving Society Swimmer 3, and can demonstrate the swimmer readiness criteria noted above
  • Target skills will be on the basics of competitive swimming, with an emphasis on freestyle and backstroke
  • Focus is on high repetition, low intensity skill training, with some intensity progression to challenge skill acquisition
  • These swimmers are scheduled to swim 3 times per week: Tues/Wed/Thurs afternoons                            
  • Encouraged to participate in at least our Home Meet, so long as the meet the Competition Readiness Criteria
  • Fundamental swimmers are generally in the ~5-8 age range, however skill level is the predominate factor (5 year old swimmers MUST be 5 as of January 1, 2025 to register)    

 

Junior:   
  • Please note - this is NOT a learn-to-swim program - all junior swimmers will be assessed by coaches to determine if they meet the swimmer readiness criteria
  • Junior swimmers should know the foundations of front and back crawl, along with the skills equivalent to completion of Red Cross Swim Kids 4 / Lifesaving Society Swimmer 3, and the swimmer readiness criteria noted above
  • Training is focused on skill development of fundamental swim skills, including strokes, turns, and starts, and provides an introduction to the sport and the basics of competition
  • Focus is on high repetition, low intensity skill training, with some intensity progression to challenge skill acquisition
  • These swimmers are scheduled to swim 4 times per week: Tues-Fri afternoons                            
  • Encouraged to participate in at least our Home Meet 
  • Junior swimmers are generally in the ~8-10 age range, however skill level is the predominate factor - swimmers new to swim club but in the 8/9-11 range may want to consider starting here

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Intermediate:    
  • Intermediate swimmers are expected to have proficiency in freestyle and backstroke, with developing skills in butterfly and breaststroke
  • Training has a strong emphasis on skill development, including progressively refining swimming skills (strokes, turns, starts, underwater skills) and provides an introduction to basic racing principles
  • Focus is on high repetition, low intensity skill training, with some intensity progression to challenge skill acquisition
  • Participation in swim meets is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory
  • These swimmers are encouraged to swim 4-5 times per week: daily afternoon swims (Mondays and Fridays may have extended swim time)
  • Recommended to participate in 2-4 swim meets
  • Intermediate swimmers are generally in the ~9-12 age range, however skill level is the predominate factor     
 
 
 
Inter-Senior:   
  • Inter-Seniors are expected to have a solid level of proficiency in all swimming skills
  • Training for participation at swim meets is the primary focus, with training including some intensity progression to challenge skill acquisition, as well as a high volume, aerobic capacity focus
  • Individualized training is introduced for development and mastery of sport skills
  • Strong focus on individualized training plan with volume and intensity
  • These swimmers are encouraged to swim 6-8 times per week: daily afternoon swims as well as morning swims for July
  • Recommended to participate in at least 2-4 swim meets
  • Inter-Seniors are generally in the ~12-14 years old range, however skill level is the predominate factor 

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Senior:    
  • Seniors are expected to have a high level of proficiency in all swimming skills
  • Optimal performance at swim meets is the primary focus, with training including intensity progression to challenge skill acquisition
  • Strong focus on individualized training plan with volume and intensity focused on skills, pace work, and race strategy
  • These swimmers are encouraged to swim 6-8 times per week: daily afternoon swims as well as morning swims for July
  • Recommended to participate in at least 2-4 swim meets
  • Senior swimmers are generally over the age of 14, however skill level is the predominate factor     ​

 

Should family members have a Wellness Spending Account through a benefits plan, they may be able to use this to support registration and gear costs.   For any families in need of financial assistance in order to access this activity, individual child grants can be accessed via Jump Start or Kid Sport.