Youth (7-18) Program

Development Program

Approximate ages: 7 to 11

This group 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

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

  • Must be able to complete 45 minutes of focused swimming instruction without disrupting others in the group.

  • Must be able to swim a minimum of 25 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 Red Cross Swim Kids program, please be aware that kids generally need to have passed a minimum of Swim Kids 3 before they are ready for swim club.

Performance Program

Approximate ages: 10 to 18

This group 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: 12+

 By invitation only

This group is for swimmers who are able to perform all of the skills outlined in the Development and Performance Programs and who are able to commit to a full competitive training program. Swimmers will commit to swimming as their primary sport and will attend practice 5 days/week.

Internally, we categorize athletes into three groups:

Level 1

  • Focus on achieving Provincial times or have Provincial times

  • Increase volume and intensity of training (aim to attend training at least 4 times a week—this will help you gain the ability to perform at this level)

  • Learn and engage in dryland exercises and a develop a healthy approach to nutrition

Level 2

  • Focus on achieving Divisional times in at least two events

  • Increase training volume and intensity (aim to attend training at least 4 times a week—this will help you gain the ability to perform at this level)

  • Refining stroke technique, starts and turns

Level 3