Swift Current Barracudas Swim Club Philosophy and Program Outline

The Swift Current Barracudas strive to deliver quality swim programming for a wide range of ages and abilities. We believe through quality coaching and programming swimming can be for everyone. The Swift Current Barracudas aim to introduce swimming, as a life skill, foster sport, fitness, and competition as well as promote active aging.

Swift Current Barracudas Mini Program

The Swift Current Barracudas Mini Program focuses on learning to swim, safety around water, and fun. Mini programming begins at age four and no previous swimming experience is required. These programs are offered in one or two day a week options. Swimmers will be assessed on an ongoing basis and will receive progress reports indicating their placement for the next session. Swimmers may enter three levels as listed below:

Minnows: No previous swimming experience

Guppies: Can swim 15 + unassisted, knowledge of front and back crawl, as well as the ability to recognize and exhibit basic water safety.

Goldfish: Swimming 25m + independently, able to perform basic front and back crawl. Exhibits water safety skills.

Swift Current Barracudas Pre-Competitive Program

The Swift Current Barracudas Pre-Competitive Program is designed for swimmers who are considering competing the following season. Swimmers will focus on all four strokes, as well as starts, turns and swim meet etiquette. Swimmers must have basic knowledge of backstroke, freestyle and breast stroke and will be introduced to Butterfly. Swimmers in this group must be seven years of age. Pre-competitive swimmers have access to one swim meet a year without upgrading to competitive status. These swimmers will practice twice a week. Focus will primarily include basic technique, and coordination in the water.

Swift Current Barracudas Non-Competitive Program

The Swift Current Barracudas Non-Competitive Fitness Program is designed for swimmers looking to swim for fun, fitness benefits but do not wish to compete.  Swimmers in this program must be seven years of age and have be able to perform front and back crawl. This program will focus on endurance, healthy habits, and swimming for the enjoyment of the sport. These swimmers will not be able to access swim meets. This group will practice twice a week.

Swift Current Barracudas Conditioning Program

The Swift Current Barracudas Conditioning Program is designed for swimmers looking for a short-term commitment generally to offset the season of another sport. Conditioning sessions are 4 weeks long and can be started at any time. Swimmers must be seven years of age and be able to perform freestyle and backstroke. The primary focus on this group will be endurance, stamina and skills that transfer in and out of the water. These swimmers will not be able to access swim meets. This program will be offered three days a week, one morning and two evening options.

Swift Current Barracudas Swim Club Competitive Program

The Swift Current Barracudas Competitive Program is a three-tiered program for individuals who will compete in the current season. Swimmers are required to attend 80 % of the required meets the team will be travelling to. Swimmers must be seven years of age. Bronze swimmers will practice 2 times a week and Gold Swimmers will swim 4 times a week. Skills in this program will focus on speed, and technique Refinement. The three-tiered programming is as follows. Entry to this group will be at the discretion of the head coach.

Bronze -Introduction to competitive swimming, this group is for new competitive swimmers, without qualifying times. Swimmers must show the desire and commitment to compete.

Silver- These swimmers have some experience competing, they may, but are not required to hold AA provincial standard times. Swimmers must show the desire to compete and be actively working towards A qualifying times. These swimmers may access dryland training. Dryland training will focus on agility, balance, coordination, and recovery.

Gold – These swimmers hold A and/ or AA provincial qualifying times. They must show the desire to compete and participate in extra practices such as morning swims and dryland training. Dryland training will include work with weights, resistance, agility, and recovery. These swimmers will be expected to be able to develop goals and plans surrounding their season, as well as reference and adapt them throughout the season.

Swift Current Barracudas Masters Program

The Swift Current Barracudas Swim Club Master program offers programming for adults aged 18 and up. No previous swimming experience is required, and training is available from learn to swim to competitive levels. Masters swimmers are eligible to compete. Practices are offered in four weeks session and take place three times a week. Focus for this program will be individually gauged between the coach and participant in order to meet the goals of the Masters swimmer.