Tadpole Program

 

The Waterdevils Tadpole program is a unique, non-competitive, 10-week program to introduce swimmers ages 5.5 - 7 years old to the sport of swimming.

 

The Tadpoles Program

Our Tadpoles are equivalent to a “pre-team” or a “junior swim team”. This specialized, limited-enrollment program operates alongside the Waterdevils Swim Team and is designed to be a stepping stone to the full swim team experience.

 

Who Tadpoles Are For

The Tadpole program is ideal for those children who have recently moved beyond swim lessons and who are eager to improve their swimming skills, but may not be ready for the actual swim team yet.

 

How Practices Work

The Tadpoles program offers a high coach-to-student ratio. There are 5 spots in each class and class will be led by a head coach as well as two junior coaches. Tadpole practices are 2 days per week for 30 minutes per day.

 

Classes are broken out by age with children ages 5.5-6yrs. old swimming together, and then children 6-7yrs. old swimming together (please see below for the breakdown of class times).

 

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.

 

Requirements

  • Children entering the Tadpole program must be AT LEAST 5 and a half years old.

  • Must be comfortable putting their head all the way underwater.

  • Must 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. As an example, kids who have taken the level 4 class at AC Swim Club are usually a good fit for the Tadpole program.

 

Other Important Information

  • Swimmers are limited to 1 year in the Tadpole group.
  • 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.
  • 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 for more information.
  • Coach Erin will send out more information to the families of registered students two weeks before the beginning of the program.

 

2026 Tadpole Spring Session Times

Practice starts Monday April 14th. Each session is limited to 5 students:

 

5.5 - 6 years old

  • Group A — Monday and Wednesday, 3:30 - 4pm
  • Group B — Tuesday and Thursday, 4 - 4:30pm

 

6 - 7 years old

  • Group A — Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30 - 4pm
  • Group B — Monday and Wednesday, 4 - 4:30pm