Swimming  provides one of the most beneficial forms of exercise for cardiovascular and overall fitness. This exercise can be enjoyed at any age.

The sport of swimming has many benefits away from the pool too, not the least of which is the opportunity to meet many outstanding young people and their families. Often, swim buddies become lifelong friends.

Among the greatest benefits of participating in an organized swim program are the life skills your child will develop. These skills include time management, self-discipline and sportsmanship. Your child will reap the benefits of swimming long after his/her participation ends.

Age group swimming can be exciting and rewarding as many children improve rapidly.  It is not unusual to see large time improvements during this phase and it can be difficult to avoid the tendency to push young athletes. However we feel that although a child of ten or eleven can handle the physical demands of serious water training, the workload should not be great until a child reaches puberty. The emphasis should be placed on improving stroke technique, building endurance, and having fun.

As a parent one can do much to help a child succeed in swimming. Not every swimmer becomes a world record holder, but all gain from their swimming experience.  Supporting your child in swimming is very rewarding, and you may soon find yourself cheering at competitions, timing during meets, or even becoming a certified USA Swimming official. Whatever your role, your positive support has much to do with your child's experience in swimming.

When you join LAMVAC you automatically become a member of USA Swimming, the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States.  USA Swimming is divided into Local Swim Committees (LSCs).  LAMVAC is part of the Pacific Swimming LSC, and we recommend you visit this website for more information.