Pre-Competitive Programme
Our programme is divided into three groups corresponding to the age/capability of the swimmer.
Groups
Minnows
Swimmers generally start at age 7, but can range from 6-8. They should have a swimming capability corresponding to a minimum of Swimmer Level 4 and be able to swim 25 metres (one length) of "recognizable" front crawl (arms recovering over the water, side breathing with little-to-no hesitation), and 25 metres of backstroke. The objective is to progress to Guppies by achieving efficient breathing and an introduction to breast stroke with whip kick. Each session is 8 weeks in duration. Swimmers turning 9 if not advanced to Guppies will be aged out.
Practice Schedule
Swim once per week:
- Sun 8:00-9:00 am @ Plant
Cost
$220 per session for 2024-2025 + 1 time yearly Swimming Canada Registration fee
Guppies
Swimmers generally start at age 8, but can range from 7-9. They should have a swimming capability corresponding to a minimum Swimmer Level 5 and be able to do 50 metres (two lengths) of recognizable front crawl with continuous arms and breathing (arms recovering over the water, side breathing with no hesitation), 25 metres of backstroke, dolphin kick, and breaststroke with whip kick. The objective is to progress to Whales by achieving efficient body position, proper stroke patterns for free, back and breast, with an introduction to butterfly drills. Each session is 8 weeks in length. Swimmers turning 10 if not advanced to Whales will be aged out.
Practice Schedule
You can register for ONE of the following four groups:
- STURGEON: Mon 4:00-5:00 pm @ JCC and Sat 4:00-5:00 pm @ Canterbury
- PERCH: Tues 4:00-5:00 pm @ JCC and Sat 4:45-5:45 pm @ Canterbury
- SALMON: Wed 4:00-5:00 pm @ JCC and Sun 2:30-3:30 pm @ Brewer
- PIKE: Thurs 4:00-5:00 pm @ JCC and Sun 2:30-3:30 pm @ Brewer
Cost
$320 per session for 2024-2025 + 1 time yearly Swim Canada Registration fee
Whales
Swimmers generally start at age 9, but can range from 8-10, with a swimming capability corresponding to a minimum Swimmer Level 7. They must be able to do 150 metres (6 lengths) continuous using a mixture of front crawl, backstroke, butterfly (development) and breast stroke (ankles outwards on the extension) AND swim 50 metres freestyle in 75 seconds or faster. Select Whales will be given the opportunity to race in introductory level competitions. The objective is to progress to the Junior Competitive Programme, by being proficient in the 4 competitive strokes, with an introduction to legal turns. Each session is 8 weeks in length. Swimmers turning 11 will be allowed to finish the session, but age out at 12.
Practice Schedule
You can register for ONE of the following two groups, offered three times per week:
- KILLER: Mon and Wed 5:00-6:00 pm @ JCC and Sun 7:00-8:00 am @ Plant
- BLUE: Tues and Thu 5:00-6:00 pm @ JCC and Sun 7:00-8:00 am @ Plant
Cost
$440 per session for 2024-2025 + 1 time yearly Swim Canada Registration fee
The swimming year is divided into three 8-week sessions
Session 1
Minnows/Guppies/Whales:
Oct 15th to Dec 12, 2024
Skills Showcase: Sat. Dec 14/24
Session 2
Minnows/Guppies/Whales:
Jan 11 to Mar 6, 2025
Skills Showcase: Sat, Mar 1/25
Session 3
Minnows/Guppies/Whales:
Apr 5 to May 30, 2025*
Skills Showcase: Sat, May 31/25
*Sun/Mon make-up June 1-2
Equipment
Properly fitting goggles and a swimsuit made of polyester or nylon must be worn.
- Females: A one-piece suit ONLY
- Males: Speedo or Jammer style ONLY (no beach style shorts)
Advancing to Competitive
It is our club policy to have a member at one level for no more than two years.
Within the two years, the swimmer will be expected to move up (including competitive streams).