We are so excited that you are interested in becoming a Blue Dolphin!
What are the age requirements?
Any swimmer aged 4 - 18 as of June 1 of the current year is welcome to join. Events at swim meets are grouped by age bracket.
What if my child isn't a strong swimmer?
Our only requirement is that swimmers be able to jump in and make their way down the lane. It's ok if they need to take a break along the way- a summer of swim will help them improve! We find that many kids who start out unsure at the beginning the summer are confidently winning heats by the end of the season. If your child isn't ready for that yet, we can definitely point you to some great private lessons!
Does my family have to live in Lake Manassas?
Nope! We are happy to have swimmers from all over the area. Anyone within the neighborhood can sponsor you - please reach out via the Contact Us form if you need a sponsor.
Will we need to get up early?
Only about 7 times a summer. We practice at pretty reasonable times. Meets are pretty early, but there are only 7 of them, on Saturdays.
How much is involved? What am I committing to?
Practices are every weekday from Memorial Day until the end of July; swimmers should attend either the morning or evening session. And we get it - it's summer, and kids might not make every one. That's ok! Our swimmers 12 and under do need to have an adult with them during practices, as well.
There are 7 meets on Saturdays; if your swimmer will miss a meet, that's ok, too - just be sure to let the coaches know in advance. Note that to participate in Divisionals, a swimmer must swim in at least two regular-season meets.
Meets are completely run by volunteers, so parents, we'll need your help at any meet your swimmer attends. Don't worry - we'll train you on how to do the various roles.
We have several social events during the season that are optional, although we definitely recommend buying tickets to the end-of-season awards banquet!
What do I get for registering?
Each swimmer registration includes in-pool swimming practice every weekday, all meet entries, several mid-season social events (although we may ask you to bring a casserole!), a swim cap, and a team t-shirt. Swimmers who place 1-12 in individual meet events are awarded ribbons, and we provide opportunities for special recognition of swimmer achievements during the season.
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
During the active season:
To register, please visit the Team Registration page.
In the off season:
Please use the Contact Us form to get in touch and be added to our mailing list.
Our practices are held at the Lake Manassas Swim and Tennis Center:
14900 Turtle Point Drive
Gainesville, VA 20155
How do I qualify to swim at the Divisional Meet?
Per the PWSL bylaws, in order to be an eligible swimmer at the Divisional Meet you must:
- Swim in 2 regular season meets, and
- Record a legal swim in a stroke.
Because swimmers may only swim in events they have recorded legal times during the regular season, it is the team's goal to have every Blue Dolphin legal in several strokes.
Any swimmer qualifed to compete in Divisionals could then also be eligible to swim Relays. Unlike regular season meets, PWSL bylaws limit teams to an A and B relay team only during Divisionals. Freestyle relay teams are composed at the Coach's discretion based on a number of day of the meet factors. Medlay relay teams are composed of swimmers who have demonstrated mastery of a stroke, consistent times, and ability to properly take off.
