Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to be a good swimmer to join the team?

You need to be able to swim freestyle and backstroke for 25 yards - the length of most indoor pools.  We will teach you the rest.  If you cannot swim the minimum, our lesson program will teach you how and you can move to the team when you are ready.  Everybody has a place at CSC.

   2. Do I have to try out?

We hold swimmer evaluations to help us place swimmers into appropriate training groups or into our lesson program, but we have a program tailored for everyone’s ability, so no swimmer is turned away. The next evaluation date is July 27 at 5pm at the Carmel Swim Academy, located at 830 City Center Drive, Carmel. You can register for the evaluation here. 

3. What if I’m involved in other sports?

Most of our swimmers participate and thrive in other sports and activities.  Our practices are usually offered six days a week to allow for more opportunities to participate.

4. Are meets held every weekend?

No, and it is up to you how many meets you enter based on your schedule.  Usually, swimmers can compete one or two weekends a month in age-appropriate settings suited to their competitive level.

5. Is there a lot of travel involved?

Most of our meets are in the Indianapolis area or at our home pool, although we do offer the opportunity for the team to travel, usually by bus, to meets in other areas.  All trips are optional.

6. Where are practices held?

Practices are primarily held at Carmel High School’s Aquatic Center and the Carmel Swim Academy, which is our new lesson pool that opened July 2023. 

7. Can I join anytime?

You may join the team in August, December and April. 

8. Do the boys have to wear “speedos”?

No, although they are still around, most boys opt for the knee-length “jammer” suit.

9. What is the cost?

The cost varies based on the group in which your swimmer is placed and how many swim meets you enter. Registration is paid when you join, the annual dues are broken down into monthly payments that are spread out over eleven months of the year. The CSC fee schedule is based on retaining a high-quality, full-time staff and USA Swimming membership benefits. We host competitions that are volunteer-run to help offset costs. Reduced fees are available to families that demonstrate need.

10.  Who does the coaching and what are their certifications?

We have a staff of professional, experienced coaches who love what they do. They are all certified through USA Swimming and are required to maintain CPR, Coaches Safety & First Aid plus other coaching certifications.