Swim Team

Silver swimmers have a firm grasp on the four basic competitive strokes and are given instruction on more advanced concepts and swimming techniques. We work on refining each stroke to make it as efficient as possible, and work with our swimmers to improve on areas of weakness. The Silver level is typically when our swimmers begin to participate in swim meets. Swimmers are 12/Under.

Requirements: Swim 25 yards of the four competitive strokes without disqualification (DQ) and perform a racing dive.

This is the highest level of training for the Orcas Swim Club and requires true dedication to the sport. The program is a serious regimen that includes endurance work, dryland strength training, flexibility, conditioning, goal setting, and an emphasis on team dynamics and mental conditioning. Swimmers are 15/16+ years of age.

Requirements: Swim 1×200 Free, Back, Breast, and IM without DQ

Light Blue level is for advanced Silver level swimmers who are ready to step things up a level before they commit to the Blue team. Light Blue will practice with Silver on M/W/F, and will have an extra 30 minutes of practice time once Silver leaves. Swimmers are 11+ years of age.

Requirements: Swimmers must be invited by coaching staff to participate in the light blue level. Work ethic, commitment to the sport, performance at meets, and practice behavior are taken into consideration.

Gold swimmers begin to focus their training on longer distance events and individual medley swimming. Swimmers receive individual attention on advanced stroke mechanics and dryland workouts.  Competition philosophy, mental training, and nutritional awareness are important subjects stressed with this group. Swimmers are 14+ years of age.

Requirements: Swim 1×100 Free, Back, Breast, Fly, and IM without DQ. 

Swimmers at the Blue level will be introduced to longer, harder, and more intense sets at practice. While we continue to refine the skills learned in previous Orca levels, swimmers will need a firm grasp on all 4 major strokes and associated turns in order to excel in Blue. Swimmers are 12+ years of age. We highly encourage all Blue level swimmers and higher to experience the excitement of participating in USA Swimming Sanctioned Meets.

Requirements: Swim 1×100 of Free, Back, Breast, and IM without DQ. 

Bronze is the first level of competitive swimming with the Orcas, with most swimmers aged 9 or under. This group will learn what it’s like being on a team and are given constant instruction on stroke mechanics, starts, turns, and all competitive swimming. The instructions are presented in a relaxed yet exciting manner with an emphasis on the fun and rewards of being a part of a swim team and participating in competitive swimming. The overall objective of Orca’s Bronze level is to provide individual attention and a positive experience in swimming for younger swimmers.

Requirements: Be able to swim 25 yards (one lap) of the four basic strokes.

Pre-Orcas is our entry-level program designed for younger swimmers who have progressed through the Italian Center’s swimming instruction program and learned the four basic strokes. The emphasis for this level is on improving previously developed swimming ability and water skills. The Pre-Orcas program is ideal for swimmers who have a desire to eventually join our swim team or start their path to competitive swimming.

Requirements: Be able to swim 25 yards (one lap) of the swimming pool using freestyle and backstroke. Demonstrate an understanding of breaststroke and butterfly.