Swim Team Training Groups
Category 1 – Developmental
Age Range: Grade School
Description: For swimmers new to competitive swimming. Focuses on stroke fundamentals, technique, and water confidence in a fun and structured environment. Practices 3x/week.
Recommended Attendance: At least 2x/week
Gear Required: Goggles, Swim Cap, Kickboard, Fins, Mesh Bag
Category 2 – Skill Development
Age Range: Grade School
Description: Builds endurance and stroke technique. Includes 4+ water practices and dryland training (stretching, balance, cardio). Strong focus on consistency and growth.
Recommended Attendance: At least 3x/week
Gear Required: Goggles, Swim Cap, Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Mesh Bag
Category 3 – Intermediate Competitive
Age Range: Middle School
Description: Expands on Category 2 with more intensity. Focus on competitive preparation, stroke refinement, and building endurance. Includes dryland training. 5+ sessions/week.
Recommended Attendance: At least 4x/week
Gear Required: Goggles, Swim Cap, Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Mesh Bag
Category 4 – Advanced Competitive
Age Range: Middle to High School
Description: Higher training volume and age-appropriate weight room work. Focus on endurance, strength, and stroke technique. Prepares swimmers for elite training groups.
Recommended Attendance: All practices
Gear Required: Goggles, Swim Cap, Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Paddles, Mesh Bag
Category 5 – Elite Competitive
Age Range: High School
Description: Our highest level group. Nine water workouts per week, plus weight room and team leadership expectations. Strong focus on competition and high performance.
Recommended Attendance: All practices and dryland
Gear Required: Goggles, Swim Cap, Kickboard, Fins, Pull Buoy, Paddles, Mesh Bag
The YMCA of Southwest Florida Hurricanes Swim Team, a year-round competitive program affiliated with USA Swimming. As a program of the YMCA of Southwest Florida, we are committed to fostering an environment where athletes develop both in and out of the pool. Our team is based at the Venice YMCA and serves swimmers of all levels, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and personal growth.
The YMCA of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities across seven counties: Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, DeSoto, Hendry, and Glades. Guided by the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty, we strive to positively impact the lives of our athletes and famillies.
At the YMCA of Southwest Florida Hurricanes, we believe in more than just competition - We promote lifelong skills that extend beyond the sport. Our program encourages athletes to challenge themselves, embrace resiliance, and build a positive relationship with hard work. Through structured training and a supportive environment, our swimmers develop not only their athletic abilities but also essential character traits that will serve them well in all aspects of life.
