Walden Creek Wahoos Swim Team Information

Our team website and Facebook page are great resources for all of your swim team information including practice times and meet schedules.

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers for families new to summer swim team.

1. How old does my child need to be to participate?

There is not a specific age requirement, but many kids start swim team around age 5. We’ve had some swimmers as young as 3 and 4. Your child needs to be able to swim the length of the pool with very limited assistance (doggy paddle is okay as a start!). If they can do that, then they can participate! For practices, they will be swimming the entire length of the pool. The 6 and under age group will have a coach in the water during practices to assist. For the swim meets, the 6 and under age group will have to swim independently about half the distance of the pool where they will be met at the end by a swimmer to help them swim the remaining length of the pool.
If you are unsure of your child’s ability to participate, a coach can discuss with you after the first week or two of practice to determine how swim team is working for your child and if they will be able to continue.

2. When does swim team start? What are the dates and schedules?

Swim team practices start around mid-May and end around mid-July. The practice schedule will be posted on the team website with specific times for each age group. In general, practices are held in the afternoons/evenings Monday-Thursday. Swim meets are held on Tuesday nights. (Wednesday nights may also be used for swim meets in the event that a Tuesday meet is canceled due to severe weather.) Once traditional calendar school is out for the summer, then morning practices will also be offered. Morning practices are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. Swimmers may attend either or both morning and afternoon practices as their schedule allows. 6 and under practices last 30 minutes and all other age groups practice for 45-60 minutes.

3. How do I register?

Registration for swim team opens around mid-April, and a registration link will be posted on the team website and Facebook page.

4. What are the meets like?

Every swimmer gets to swim in the meets! Swimmers are placed into heats and all swim according to their age group as well as by male/female. 6 and unders swim freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke. All other age groups swim freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and relays. The first meet of the year will be a “mock meet” that will only be our swim team participating – it is a great opportunity for you and your swimmer to learn how a meet works. Some meets are held at the Walden Creek swimming pool and some meets are held at other nearby neighborhood pools. Swimmers are usually asked to arrive at meets around 5:00pm. The meets are a ton of fun and a great way to meet your neighbors! More detailed info here: SWIM MEET 101

5. Can I volunteer to help?

YES! We ask that all families sign up enough spots to attain 6 points throughout the swim season. You can sign up for volunteer spots in the registration system when you register your swimmer. Don’t be afraid of any job – someone will show you the ropes!

6. What gear does my swimmer need?