OSAC Development Programs (Ages 7 to 13)
These programs offer a fun and progressive introduction to competitive swimming. Your child will learn to be a strong swimmer in a fun & encouraging environment. OSAC Development programs include the following:
Splash (7-10 years)
The Splash group is the entry level to our Development (i.e., early competitive) program. This group has a strong focus on basic stroke skills, safety and helping children gain more confidence in the water. We encourage swimmers at this level to attend our in house Splash-O-Rama meets to test their new stroke skills. Swimmers will graduate into the Tides group once they have achieved all of the Splash skills and goals. The Splash group is suitable for swimmers who have completed Star Level 1 (or coach assessment).
- Two weekly pool sessions including 45 minutes of swimming and 15 minutes of dryland.
- Swimmers are encouraged to attend Splash-O-Rama meets.
- Age: Minimum age of 7 to a maximum age of 10. However, there are some exceptions for late starters and/or developers.
- Prerequisite: Star Level 1. Alternatively a new member coach assessment can be requested (Note: one length of the main pool unassisted, kicking or swimming, is considered to be a good benchmark).
Tides (8 - 11 years)
Tides is the second level in our Development program. This group builds on the basic skills learned in Splash and adds another level of technical progression. Swimmers will also learn swimming-specific skills such as circle swimming and swim meet preparation. We encourage swimmers at this level to attend mini-meets, offered in our local region, to test their skills and to practice competing. After achieving all of the standards for the group, swimmers graduate to Waves (or Waves). The Tides group is suitable for swimmers who have completed Splash or Star Level 3 (or coach assessment).
- Three weekly swimming sessions and one dryland session.
- Attendance at a minimum of two development swim meets.
- Age: Typically in the range of 8 to 11.
- Prerequisites: Splash or Star Level 3. Alternatively a new member coach assessment can be requested (Note: having some proficiency in freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke kick is considered a good benchmark for entry to this level).
Waves (13 & Under, with some exceptions for late starters and/or developers)
Waves is the third (and last) level in our Development program. The Waves program teaches efficient swimming and proper kicking skills. A focus on continued stroke development and endurance gives swimmers a good base for the Competitive program. Waves swimmers will be able to swim all four strokes legally, with proper starts and turns. We encourage swimmers at this level to attend development meets and one or more competitive meet. The Waves group is suitable for swimmers who have completed Tides or Star Level 5 (or coach assessment).
- Four weekly swimming sessions and two dryland sessions.
- Attendance at a minimum of two development meets and one competitive meet.
- Age: 13 and under, with some exceptions for late starters and/or developers.
- Prerequisites: Tides or Star Level 5. Alternatively a new member coach assessment can be requested.
- Graduates move into the Competetive Program, COMP Bronze (ages 11-13).
