Youth (7-18) Program

Development Program

Approximate ages: 7 to 11

This program is for those who are just getting into pre-competitive swim training. Swimmers advance through the program focusing on the following:

  1. introducing swimmers to the four basic competitive strokes, 

  2. learning to safely dive off of the pool deck head-first, and 

  3. building good basic swimming techniques. 

  4. learning competitive starts and improving turns, and 

  5. building strong technique and cardio strength. 

Minimum requirements

  1. Must be at least seven years of age (or, if joining in the Fall session, turning seven by December 31 of that year.)

  2. Must be able to complete 55 minutes of focused swimming instruction without disrupting others in the group.

  3. Must be able to swim a minimum of 15 meters without stopping, with a semi-recognizable continuous freestyle stroke with their head in the water while breathing to the side as much as possible.

If your child has been following the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program, please be aware that kids generally need to have passed a minimum of Swimmer 3 before they are ready for swim club.

Performance Program

Approximate ages: 10 to 18

This program is for those who have completed our Development program or equivalent and would like to continue their development as swimmers but are not ready or able to commit to our Competitive Focus program. This program focuses on: 

  1. working towards achieving a sub-four minute 200 IM (a.k.a LMR) if not yet achieved,

  2. increasing endurance across all four competitive strokes, and

  3. progressing to higher level swim meets.

Minimum requirements 

  1. Must be able to swim a legal 200 Free.

  2. Must be able to swim a legal 200 IM.

  3. Must know proper turns, including IM turns.

  4. Must be able to do dive starts and pull outs.

  5. Must know how to use a timing clock and be able to leave on ten second intervals.

 Competitive Focus Program

Approximate ages: 11+

 By invitation only

This program is for swimmers who are able to perform all of the skills outlined in the Development and Performance Programs and who have achieved their LMR (200IM under 4:00) and are able to commit to a full-season competitive training program. Swimmers will commit to swimming as their primary sport and will attend practice five days/week as well as a minimum of two meets per session.

The goal of this program is to progress swimmers from general sanctioned meets to higher competitive levels, including Provincials and other meets such as Mel Zajak and Richmond Fast Swim Classic. This program will demand time, energy, and commitment from both swimmers and parents. There is an expectation of attendance at all practices, travel for meets, training camps and special practices, and a prioritization of swimming over other sports and extracurricular activities.

Practices will run five days/week, with the possibility of doing some training sessions with other teams and at other pools (Squamish, Hollyburn, Vancouver). Dryland training may be introduced depending on availability of space.

If you have questions about the program, please email info@whistlerseawolves.com or reach out directly to Coach Brandi.