About Us

​Who we are

Oyster Rivers Otters Swim Team (ORO) is a non-profit youth swim organization serving all local communities since the early 1970’s. In March of 1994, the team was recognized as a USA Swimming team.  Our team consists of over 100 swimmers from 19 different communities throughout the seacoast of New Hampshire and Maine. The team ranges in age from 5 to 18 years old and from beginner to advanced skill levels. Practices are held at the UNH Swansey Pool year-round, the Durham outdoor pool in the summer, and the Jenny Thompson Pool in the spring/summer.

Membership is open to all residents of the community without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status. Membership is granted once the swimmer’s minimum level of swimming ability is confirmed by the coaching staff. Membership may be limited based on the number of swimmers that can be safely accommodated in the pool.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Oyster River Otters is to cultivate and develop an individual swimmer's physical and mental health. Emphasis is placed on self-improvement, good sportsmanship, and personal self-esteem. This is of the utmost importance and shall be nurtured by coaching personnel at all times. Every effort is made to help a swimmer develop to his/her full potential in and out of the water. Coaches will exemplify the ORO values and support the goals and mission of ORO for the continued development and growth of the team.

Goals.

• Each swimmer will develop a commitment to functioning as a team member.
• Each swimmer will develop friendships that may endure a lifetime.
• Each swimmer will develop a sense of sportsmanship and fair play toward team members, competitions and life in general.
• Each swimmer will learn that self-improvement is more important than medals or ribbons and that such self-improvement will lead to a winning performance in areas both in and out of the pool.

Vision

To inspire and enable our swimmers to learn that self-improvement is more important than medals or ribbons and that such self-improvement will lead to a winning performance in areas both in and out of the pool.

Misson

The Oyster River Otters Swim Team is a member of USA Swimming which is the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming.We administer competitive swimming in accordance with the rules of USA Swimming and NE Swimming, our regional governing body. We provide programs and services for our members, families, and the interested public.We value these members of the swimming community, and the staff and volunteers who serve them. We are committed to the excellence and improvement of our sport. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all members.