Gators Pathway Overview

The Gators Swim Club offers two connected programs — Swim School and Swim Club — designed to help swimmers progress from learning the basics to competing at higher levels. Swimmers start in Swim School, where they develop strong technique and water confidence. As skills improve, they move through a series of levels until they reach Silver and Gold, at which point they transition into the Swim Club for competitive training.

Gators Swim School (Development Levels)

Our Swim School focuses on building swimming skills in a fun, structured environment. Swimmers work on stroke technique, endurance, turns, and starts, while also learning training habits that prepare them for more advanced programs. Progression is based on skill achievement, not age alone, and each level has clear criteria for moving up.

At Silver and Gold levels, swimmers are ready to take the next step into the Gators Swim Club. This transition marks the beginning of competitive training and participation in swim meets.

Gators Swim Club (Competitive Path)

The Swim Club is for athletes who have completed the Swim School pathway and are ready for competition. Training focuses on refining technique, building endurance, improving race skills, and preparing for meets. Swimmers in the Club train more frequently, take part in dryland sessions, and have the opportunity to compete at local, regional, and provincial levels.

How the Levels Work

The Gators pathway is designed so each level builds on the one before.

  • Swim School levels develop foundational skills and confidence.

  • Silver and Gold are the bridge into competitive swimming.

  • Swim Club groups increase training volume, intensity, and meet participation.

Placement is based on a combination of age, skill level, experience, and coach recommendation. Progression happens when the required skills are consistently demonstrated.

Pathway at a Glance 

Level Details:

Gators Swim School Structure

Group Name Age Level  Entry Requirements Pass Level Requirements Key Skills in the Level
Youth B 12+ yrs. Fitness Passed Alligator No pass level requirements

Review and refine Free, Back, Breast and fly
technique;

Fitness and conditioning
Alligator 8-11 yrs. Level 4

Passed Crocodile; 

Proper Free, Back and Breast technique

Able to swim 400m non-stop;

Competed the skill requirements of Alligator

Review and refine Free, Back and Breast
technique;

Learning pull, breathing/timing,
coordination of Fly;

Learning grab start, track
start, back flip turn, IM turn
Crocodile 7-10 yrs. Level 3

Passed Gecko; 

Completed Swimmer 6+; 

Mastered Free, Back and Breast

Able to swim non-stop 300m;

competed the skill requirements of Crocodile

Review Free and Back technique;

Refine Breast kick and pul and learning breathing/timing, coordination of Breast;

Enhance proper dolphin kick; Learning flip turn, stand dive
Gecko 6-8 yrs. Level 2

Passed Salamander;

Completed Swimmer 5+; 

Able to swim Free and Back 50meter comfortably

Able to swim non-stop 200m;

Competed the skill requirements of Gecko

Enhance Free and Back technique; 

Learning proper Breast kick and pull; Intro dolphin kick;

Learning back start, kneeling dive, back turn, open turn
Salamander 5-7 yrs. Level 1

Able to swim 25m without stop
or assist; 

Completed Swimmer 4+ OR equivalent level

Able to swim Free, Back 50m
comfortably, 

Completed the skill requirement of Salamander

Learning proper kick, pull, breathing, timing,
coordination of Free and Back; 

learning touch turn, back finish, sit dive, pencil dive

 

Gators Swim Club Group Structure

Group Name Description of Level Commitment Requirements Age Entry Requirements Goals in Season
Elite A High-Competitive

85% + Attendance;

Attend the swim meets assigned for the 

 14+ yrs. National, Provincial qualifiers Qualify National,
Provincial, 
finals in Provincials
Elite B High-Competitive

85% + Attendance;

Attend the swim meets assigned for the 

 13+ yrs. Provincial, Divisional qualifiers Qualify Provincial,
finals in Provincials
Junior Elite High-Competitive

85% + Attendance;

Attend the swim meets assigned for the 

 12 - yrs. Divisional qualifiers Qualify Provincial,
finals in Provincials
Senior A Competitive

80% + Attendance;

Attend the swim meets assigned for the 

 14+ yrs. LMR, Divisional qualifiers Qualify Provincial,
finals in Divisionals
Senior B Competitive

80% + Attendance;

Attend the swim meets assigned for the 

 12+ yrs. LMR, Divisional qualifiers Qualify Divisionals, 
train to train
Junior Competitive

80% + Attendance;

Attend the swim meets assigned for the 

 12 -yrs. LMR qualifiers Qualify Divisionals, 
train to train
Youth A Competitive

75% + Attendance;

Attend the swim meets assigned for the 

 13+ yrs. LMR qualifiers Train for fitness
Gold Pre-Competitive 75% + Attendance; 11- yrs.

Perform Free, back, Breast well; able to swim decent fly; 

200IM under 4:30

  
Silver Pre-Competitive 75% + Attendance; 11- yrs.

Perform Free, back, Breast well; have learned fly kick and some fly tech; 

able to complete 100IM under 2:30