Minimum Swimming Requirements

In an effort to ensure swimmer safety and maintain a high quality of coaching we have minimum requirements for swim team members.

Please consider the following when reading the requirements below:

• Swimmers are not required to know strokes to take part in swim team. Our coaching team is experienced in teaching strokes to swimmers of all ages and skill levels. With the consistent practice that swim team provides, most swimmers are able to learn new skills and progress towards goals remarkably well.

• Having no fear of the water goes a long way towards success. Being comfortable in the water is a plus but being safe in the water is a must.

• A few swimming lessons can provide just the boost a swimmer needs

• If you believe your child is close to meeting the minimum swimming requirements below or you are unsure, we would love to chat with you about it. If they are working toward them now or are close when the season arrives, we will gladly try to accommodate them.

*Chenoweth pool is 25 meters long.

8 years and younger*

It is ideal for these children to be able to swim approximately half the length of our pool. They need to be able to float and propel themselves forward with their face in or out of the water, without assistance from another person, pulling on the lane line, or pushing off bottom. If they are working toward that goal before the season please just let us know.

*Most of our swimmers are 5 years and older. Occasionally we are able to allow certain younger children to join the team based on skill level, maturity, and independence.

9 years and older*

These swimmers need to be able to swim the length of our pool uninterrupted but may have face out of water. Again, knowing strokes is not a requirement as long as they are able to propel themselves forward independently without pulling on the lane line or pushing off the bottom.

*Please keep in mind that we have many older swimmers who did not start swimming as small children. Our coaches have a great amount of experience teaching children of all ages to swim, including middle and high school students who did not previously know strokes.

Why choose swimming?

Being safe and comfortable in the water are priceless skills for anyone. As well, learning and participating in a lifelong sport is a golden opportunity. Swim team offers kids the unique ability to participate in individual (skill-level) and group (relay) events. Touching the wall first is certainly not the only way to win in swimming! We encourage our swimmers to focus on personal goals from week to week and love to celebrate with them when they achieve them!

Does my child have to be a great swimmer to participate?

Nope! Swimmers of all stages of learning and ability are part of our team. We have a few who swim year round but most are summer-only swimmers. Being comfortable in the water is a plus but being safe in the water is a must in order to participate. 

What if I have young children who aren’t old enough to participate?

Check out our new program the Little Chargers offered to ages 4-7 years old. Our coaches do also offer swim lessons to Chenoweth neighbors and swim team families, which are usually held after practice.  As well, we work hard to accommodate the needs of our swim team families with small children in tow.

How much of a commitment is it for parents?

Swimming is a family sport because it requires many hands to make it possible. There are many wonderful opportunities to participate with our great kids and learn something new. Our team is run solely with volunteers (apart from coaches), therefore your swimmer will need you to pitch in. We do our best to have opportunities available to suit various schedules and circumstances. “Family” volunteer representatives may include parents, siblings and babysitters 15 years and older, grandparents, etc. All families will be responsible for an equal amount of "points" earned with volunteering (more details available closer to the start of the season).

Does swim work with the summer tennis clinic schedule?

Yes! Our schedules work together so that the many kids who participate in both swim and tennis have them back to back. For more information about our fantastic Chenoweth Tennis opportunities, contact [email protected].