Youth Swim Team
The Y's youth swim team teaches and hones swimming skills while building relationships and confidence.
See Registration for requirements.
Questions? Don't Hesistate to Reach Out!
Registration
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PRE-COMPETETIVE SWIM TEAM (Ages 8-13)
Requirements:
● Ability to swim 100 yards freestyle without stopping. (Flip turn recommended but not required)
● Ability to swim 100 yards Backstroke without stopping.
● Ability to swim Butterfly & Breaststroke. (25 yards of each)
● Tread water for at least 2 minutes.
● Previous swimming experience with a similar, structured instruction highly preferred, such as a YMCA Level 6 Swim Class.
● Knowledge of diving off walls into the deep end required, off blocks, recommended.
● Must understand basic techniques of all 4 strokes.
For questions on eligibility or to schedule a swim test, please contact the Aquatics department.
Class Location
- Maple
- Portage
Maple - Days, Times, Register Portage - Days, Times, Register
JUNIOR SWIM TEAM (Ages 8-12)
All participants must be a YMCA member and be able to swim 2,000 to 3,000 yards in a 90-minute organized practice period.
Requirements:
● Ability to execute 50 yards of each stroke with proper technique, legal stroke & turns.
● Able to swim sets of 10x100’s freestyle on a given interval.
● Understand & execute flip turns, backstroke turns, & open turns.
● Ability to swim 1000 yards in a 1 hour practice.
● Able to perform dive from Starting Blocks.
● Fully capable of treading water for multiple minutes.
● Introduction to & beginning understanding of clock intervals, swim lingo, & other sport specific elements.
● Able to acquire all necessary swim gear:
● Goggles
● Kickboard
● Fins
● Paddles
● Female practice suit or male swim jammer or proper racing suit
● Nose plug (If desired)
● Parachute (If necessary)
*The YMCA has access to equipment if needed but cannot always guarantee the
availability of equipment during practice times, especially goggles. It is highly
encouraged that athletes purchase and bring their own equipment.
Class Location
- Maple
SENIOR SWIM TEAM (Ages 13+)
All participants must be YMCA members and be able to swim 4,000 yds.+ in a two-hour organized practice. Swimmers competing in swim meets also need to be USA members. Swimming in swim meets is recommended, but not required.
Class Location
- Maple
Practice Schedules
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The following schedule is for the FALL 2024 session, beginning October 28
Swim Practice - ALL GROUPS (Juniors can attend Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays currently)
Monday 3:30-5:30 pm @ YMCA
Tuesday 3:30-5:30 pm @ YMCA
Wednesday 3:30-5:30 pm @ YMCA
Thursday 3:30-5:30 pm @ YMCA
Friday 3:30-5:30 pm @ YMCA
Saturday 7-9 am @ YMCA (Senior Only)
Dryland Training
Tuesday 6-7 am @ YMCA
Thursday 6-7 am @ YMCA
The following schedule is for the Winter Break 2024, 12/23-1/3
No practices on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day
Swim Practice - ALL GROUPS
Monday-Friday 10 am - 12 pm @ Kalamazoo College Natatorium
Dryland Training (Senior groups only)
Monday-Friday 9-10 am @ Kalamazoo College Natatorium
Swim Meet Schedule
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October 19-20 @ Zeeland West High School
November 16-17 @ East Kentwood High School
November 24 @ Northview High School
December 14-15 @ Saline High School
January 4-5 @ Jenison High School
January 24-26 @ IUPUI (BB Time Standard Required)
February 1-2 @ East Kentwood High School
February 15-16 @ Jenison High School
February 22-23 Regional Championships @ Location TBD (Qualifiers Only)
March 1-2 10 & Under Championships @ Location TBD (Qualifiers Only)
March 7-9 Michigan Age Group Championship @ Location TBD (Qualifiers Only)
March 21-23 Ultra Championship @ Location TBD (Qualifiers Only)
March 27-30 Speedo Sectionals @ IUPUI (Qualifiers Only)
