General Information

Your dues go towards paying for coaching, pool rental, equipment and more.  We strive to keep fees low through fundraising (hosting swim meets and a new fundraiser coming this year).  We ask all members to plan to be an active when it comes to volunteering to help these events.

This is not a "pay as you go" program.  Our pool time, lane space and professional coaching availability is limited, so by registering for Mako Aquatics, you are committing to completing the season and paying all monthly dues in full unless the Treasurer (Jennifer Ridge) receives a written request to withdraw within the first 2 weeks of the season (or within two weeks of registering if registered mid-season).  NO REFUNDS will be issued after the two week period except for documented medical withdrawal. 

Contact Jenn at [email protected] with questions 2025/2026 Registration Fees

**All Mako Swimmers except "Masters" must be registered with USA Swimming and MN Swimming in order for our insurance to be in place.   These are 2026**  Rates.  See USA Swimming Registration information. Masters Swimmers must register with United States Masters Swimming (USMS) for our insurance to be in place.

Multiple Swimmer Discount

Multi swimmer discounts are for those who register all their swimmers at one time and the dues are charged at the same time.

• The system will automatically deduct the discount. These discounts apply ONLY to dues.
• They do not apply to meet entry fees or other fees. 

2025 / 2026 Additional Fees

Volunteer and Time Commitments

Dues FAQ

Refunds

• Swimmers who withdraw in writing from the team within the first two weeks will receive a full refund of all dues less the registration fee which is non-refundable.
• Registration Fees are not refundable.
• No dues/fees will be refunded after the first two weeks of practice, with the exception of injuries that cause the swimmer to be out for more than four weeks.  In such situations a doctor’s medical note is required 

What about High School Girls/Boys that are in competing in the High School swimming season?

Swimmers will continue to be a part of their correct swim group. Swimmers will have access to Mako Aquatics, allowing them to sign up for meets (even during their HS Season) and receive emails about and particiapate in club events.   Billing will follow the High School billing option (Boys Fall (Sept-Nov) + Championship Season (Feb-March), Girls Winter (Nov-March).  High School Swimmers will will remain active for the full season. High School Swimmers selecting the monthly option will be billed 3 monthly installments in addition to the 1st month paid during registration for a total of 4 months. 

What about High School Spring / Summer Sports or other commitments?

There is a Spring / Summer option only.  Swimmers will continue to be a part of their correct swim group. Swimmers will have access to Mako Aquatics practices during their Spring Sports Season, which will allow them to sign up for meets (even during their HS Season) and receive emails about club events.   Billing will follow the half season billing cycle.

What are the swim “seasons”?

• Fall  / Winter (Short Course Season)

• September - March
• All meets during this period are hosted in a type of competitive pool which measures 25 yards or 25 meters. Minnesota Championships are conducted in yards, which the majority of pools here in WI/MN do.
• Fall is September - mid December
• Winter is mid December - March

• Spring / Summer (Long Course Season)

• April - July
•  The season is named because the Championship meets are conducted in Long Course, 50 meter pools.
• Spring is April - May
• Summer is June - July

Can I swim for a ½ season?  

Yes, you can register for a half season but please note that the Championship Season is in late February/early March for Short Course and late July/early August for Long Course.  Swimming 1/2 Season is NOT an option for Blue Pointers nor Mavericks as those groups require a year round commitment however, during Short Course the payment option for "in full" is the HS option for those swimming with their High School Teams.

Masters Swimmer Training Fees?

Masters is billed monthly. Masters swimmers may withdraw at anytime but must provide a minimum of 15 days notice prior to the next billing cycle. There is no prorating of fees.

Why has a registration fee been added?

Registration fees have been added to cover the administrative overhead associated with the registration process.  This fee covers items such as  billing set-up, software licensing and administrator’s paid hours.

Why require and track volunteer hours?

Mako Aquatics is non-profit organization that receives no community funding.  Keeping our overall cost structure affordable for our families requires that most team jobs be fulfilled by volunteers totalling over 2000 volunteer hours per season.  Requiring volunteer hours by families and tracking those hours is a common practice by most youth sports organizations and ensures all families are contributing to the success of the club.

USA Swimming and MSI Registration Fees

All Mako Swimmers must be registered with USA Swimming and MN Swimming in order for our insurance to be in place.  

• Swimmers are responsible for this fee.
• Mako Aquatics will register returning swimmers online. New swimmers must complete the USA Swimming registration directly through USA Swimming in the first year (we will assist with this process during the new swimmer/parent orientation)
• None of this fee is kept by Mako Aquatics and is non refundable

Prorated Fees

For new to Mako swimmers starting late, we do offer prorated fees. 

• If you are registering towards the end of the month, please send an email to ensure you aren't double charged (we will look out for this as well).

August Maintenance/Training Camp

Offered in August as a Bridge intended to bridge the gap between the end of the LCM Season and the girls high school season or the short course season (or College Season) for swimmers wanting to keep in touch with the water in August.

Online Payments

• Our site asks for payment upon completion of the registration process. If you have past due fees or credits, they will be applied to your balance. Installments and other monthly fees must be paid via credit/debit card or ACH. 
• All swimmers' account must be current prior to starting practices with our club.  If you need an alternative payment plan, please contact Treasurer Jennifer Ridge to work out an alternative plan.

Special circumstances

Simply send an email to j[email protected] with a subject of “special circumstances membership”.  We do ask that all emails requesting a cancellation or suspension of your membership be sent in by the 15th of the month preceding the requested change. 

Can we adjust groups in the middle of the season?

Yes! If your swimmers moves up a group we will adjust the billing side.

Billing cycles

*These are installments for the full season are must be paid in full. 

Is there financial assistance?

In order to provide competitive swimming opportunities to the under-represented and/or economically disadvantaged youth or during times families my face financial peril. Mako Aquatics raises funds to provide for a discounted dues structure and the USA Swimming registration. Please contact Treasurer Jennifer Ridge to obtain the financial assistance application