2025-26 Fall/Winter Short Course Season
NEW SWIMMER EVALUATIONS

PLEASE READ EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY - if you have any questions about your swimmers ability/experience, please email Coach Brett at [email protected].

New Swimmer Expectations:
The New Bedford YMCA Hurricanes is a competitive swimming team.  Swimmers selected for the team will be expected to attend regular practices and compete at meets.  If you or your swimmer feel like you are not yet ready for pursuing competition, please consider our non-competitve developmental program called the Tropical Storm.  This program offers 2 practices per week for 60 minutes each and is designed to offer something for those looking to continue the development of their skills and endurance and can also be used as a pathway for those looking to someday pursue the competitive Hurricanes program.  The Tropical Storm does NOT compete at meets.

New Swimmer Evaluations:
All new and potential swimmers for both the HURRICANE and TROPICAL STORM programs MUST attend an evaluation prior to registering.  Swimmers will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of stroke mechanics/technique and, depending on age, the stamina to complete different lengths of the pool without stopping (see Required Skills below).  All swimmers must wear goggles.  Swim caps are recommended for all participants with long hair.  Coaches will look at and review with participants, the 4 competitive strokes, starts, kicking and basic technique drills. Listening skills and willingness to follow directions are VERY important.  Swimmers need only attend ONE evaluation session.  Recommendations will be made after each session directly with parents, or via email.

Experienced Competitive Swimmers:
Swimmers with prior competitive age group swimming experience who are looking for a new team should contact Coach Brett directly via email ([email protected]) to schedule an evaluation.  Please include your swimmers age and bit of information on their competitive background.

HURRICANES TEAM Swimming Skills Required:
Ages 9 & Under
1. 25 Yards (1 length of the pool) of continuous Freestyle using Rotary Breathing.
2. 25 Yards Backstroke with steady, supportive kick
3. 25 Yards Breaststroke demonstrating some understanding of kick, pull and timing.
4. Demonstrate working knowledge of Butterfly kick, pull, and timing.
5. Basic Dive from side of pool and/or starting blocks.

Ages 10-15
1. 50 Yards (2 lengths of the pool) of continuous Freestyle using Rotary Breathing.
2. 50 Yards Backstroke with steady, supportive kick
3. 25-50 Yards Breaststroke demonstrating solid understanding of kick, pull and timing.
4. 25 Yards Butterfly - demonstrating working knowledge of kick, pull, and timing.
5. Basic Dive from side of pool and/or starting blocks.

TROPICAL STORM Swimming Skills Required:
Ages 6-15
1. 25 Yards (1 length of the pool) of continuous Freestyle using Rotary Breathing.
2. 25 Yards Backstroke with steady, supportive kick
3. Demonstrate some understanding of Breaststroke kick, pull and timing.
4. Have been introduced to Butterfly kick, pull, and timing.
5. Basic Dive from side of pool and/or starting blocks.