Tadpole Program

The Waterdevils offer a unique, non-competitive, Tadpole Program to introduce
swimmers ages 5.5  - 7 years old to the sport of swimming. This specialized, limited-enrollment program operates alongside the  Waterdevils Swim Team
provides a high coach-to-swimmer ratio and is designed to be a stepping stone to the full swim team experience. The
tadpole program is ideal for those children who have recently moved beyond swim
lessons and who are eager to improve their swimming skills, while still being part of
a team. Swimmers are limited to one year in the Tadpole group.
REQUIREMENTS: Children entering the Tadpole program must be AT LEAST 5 and a half years old and comfortable putting their head in the water, and be able push off the wall and kick 10 feet to the coach. If your child has any resistance to putting their face in the water or pushing off the wall on their own, you may want to consider one more season in swim lessons.
 
If your child is 7 or 8 and feels comfortable swimming the length of the pool, the 8 & under novice group
may be a better choice. If you are unsure whether to register your child as a Tadpole
or 8 & under novice swimmer, you can contact us via email for our help.
 
Tadpole practices are 2 days a week for 1/2 hour per day and held at the
Marinwood Community Center pool. Evaluations will be held the first week of class
to be sure children are appropriately placed. Students who are above level will be
asked to move to the 8 & under novice group, which practices Monday-Friday from 4-4:30
(your child may practice any combination of days
during the week). It is possible that your child may not be ready for Tadpoles, but
children are typically given a couple chances to remain with the group. Classes will be broken out by ages this year. Please see below for the breakdown of the class times.
 
2025 Tadpole Spring Session Times
Practice starts Monday April 14th
 
(Each session is limited to 5 students):
Monday/Wednesday A group (5.5-6yrs.) 3:30-4pm
Monday/Wednesday B group (6-7yrs) 4-4:30pm
Tuesday/Thursday A group (6-7yrs) 3:30-4pm
Tuesday/Thursday B group (5.5-6yrs) 4-4:30pm
 
Registration: Tadpole registration opens 1/22/2025 @ 9am for all families!
Registration: ONLINE ONLY (Space is limited!)
 
Fees: $440
 
Volunteer Commitment:
Tadpole families are required to fulfill one volunteer shift during the season.
These volunteer shifts can range from working as a timer, at the team snack
bar during meets, or helping with a special event. This is a great way to get an
understanding of how the swim team works. If you have swimmers on the
regular team, you will instead be required to fulfill 5 regular volunteer jobs,
plus one job at the Championship meet. See our Volunteer Policy under About
Our Team for more information.