Dewing Park Sea Pony Program
 
2024 Season - Sea Pony Program Dates
June 3rd - July 18th
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Session 1: 12:50 - 1:10 PM
Session 2: 1:10 - 1:30 PM
Mini Meet (for Sea Ponies and 6 & Unders): Thursday, July 18th, Time TBD
Note: There will be no practice on Monday, July 1st, Thursday, July 4th (Independence Day), and Thursday, July 18th (Mini Meet). 
 
Cost Per Swimmer: $375 (includes a team t-shirt)
Registration Opens: Thursday, February 1st
 
Sea Ponies is an introductory swim program for children ages 4-7 years old who are not quite ready to begin swim team. Classes are held four days a week- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays- starting Monday, June 3, 2024. The Sea Pony program is open to members and renters of the the Dewing Park Swim Club. 
 
Students learn beginning swim techniques aimed at transitioning them towards the freestyle stroke of competitive swimming. The Sea Pony program also gives families a chance to evaluate whether swim team is a good fit for their child. The goal of the program is for students to be able to swim an unassisted lap of freestyle by the end of the season.
 
During the first week of practice, Sea Pony coaches will assess the readiness of each child to participate in the program. If the coaches feel that a child is not ready, registration money will be refunded. Swimming experience is helpful and children should feel comfortable in the water. It is also critical that participating students be able to do the following:
  • Follow instructions of coaches
  • Place face in the water
  • Float on back with assistance
All Sea Pony swimmers must be fully potty trained, no swim diapers are allowed in this program.   For safety reasons, it is up to the coaches' discretion whether a child qualifies for the program. Sea Pony registration is capped at 20 swimmers per session in order to ensure a safe and consistent swimmer to coach ratio. A wait list will be formed once the session limit is reached. Waitlist preference is given to swimmers with siblings on the Dewing Park Swim Team.
 
On the last day of the Sea Pony program, swimmers “race” in the traditional Dewing Park Mini Meet that starts with a parade of swimmers around the pool deck. All participants receive a ribbon, certificate, and a treat! It is truly a highlight of the Seahorse season to see our youngest swimmers show off their improved skills! The Mini Meet will be held in the late afternoon of Thursday, July 18, 2024. There will be no Sea Pony practice that day.  
 
If you have further questions please reach out to the Dewing Park Swim Team Directors, Pat O'Brien and Liz Fairclough, at [email protected].
 
Please note: If your Sea Pony moves up to our Dewing Park Swim Team before the end of the summer prorated Swim Club dues and obligations (job volunteer requirements) may apply. Please reach out to a director if you have any questions.