Bon Air has a program for our youngest Blue Streaks that aren’t fully ready for Swim Team:  Pre-Swim Team!

Every parent wants their child to have a safe and happy introduction to Swim Team.  Unfortunately, introducing a child to Swim Team before they are strong enough swimmers can be scary for them at swim meets, and can present safety concerns during practice.  Bon Air requires that all Swim Team members be able to swim the length of the pool unassisted (doggie paddle is fine).  Any 4-6 year olds who are not able to swim the length of the pool unassisted, but are still able to swim, should join our Pre-Swim Team program!

FAQs

  • Do Pre-Swim Team swimmers need to know how to swim?
    • Yes!  This is not a “learn to swim” program.  These swimmers should be able to tread water, and safely keep their head above water.  This program is for building their endurance and introducing them to basic freestyle, so that they will be ready for Swim Team next year.
    • If your child does not know how to swim, we have private swim lessons available.
  • How do I know if my 4-6 year old child should be on Pre-Swim Team or Swim Team?
    • If you are not sure if your child can swim the length of the pool unassisted, now is a great time to sign them up for swimming lessons at nearby locations, such as AquaTots, YMCA, ACAC, MAC, SwimRVA, and NOVA.
    • Additionally, our coaches will be conducting swim tests at the beginning of the season to ensure that the younger children are in the correct group.
  • When does Pre-Swim Team practice?
    • Pre-Swim Team morning practice is 10:00-10:30 am, and evening practice is 5:00-5:30 pm (swimmers must stick with the practice they registered for, so that we can meet safety ratios)
    • Pre-Swim Team practices are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (mostly), from 6/10-7/9.
    • Some adjustments have been made to the regular cadence to accommodate swim meets.  The exact practice dates are:
      • Monday 6/10, Wednesday 6/12, Thursday 6/13
      • Monday 6/17, Wednesday 6/19, Thursday 6/20
      • Monday 6/24, Wednesday 6/26, Thursday 6/27
      • Monday 7/1, Thursday 7/3
      • Tuesday 7/9
    • As with regular swim team practice, any practices cancelled due to weather will not be rescheduled.
  • Do Pre-Swim Team swimmers swim in meets?
    • No, they do not swim in swim meets.
  • Can Pre-Swim Team swimmers graduate to Swim Team during this season?
    • Yes, our coaches will be assessing their progress throughout their lessons, and will graduate individual swimmers to Swim Team if they are ready and if the parents are comfortable with that change.
  • Will there be a limit to the number of spots in Pre-Swim Team?
    • Yes, we will only be able to accommodate 12 swimmers this year (6 in the morning practice and 6 in the evening practice).
  • How much does Pre-Swim Team cost?
    • The cost is the same as regular Swim Team.
    • While Pre-Swim Team holds less practices than regular Swim Team, each Pre-Swim Team practice has more focused and hands on attention from coaches (due to the guaranteed maximum 4 swimmers to 1 coach ratio).
    • The cost works out to far less money than a 4-child semi-private lesson (which is the coach to swimmer ratio that we guarantee).  And these lessons are organized for parents! (How hard would it be for parents to find a time that works for 3 other families for a semi-private lesson? 😉 )
  • How do I register my child for Pre-Swim Team?
    • Just register them in our Swim Team program, but be sure to select “Pre-Swim Team” as the level for your swimmer.