From Pools to Podiums
The Y is the starting point for many who wish to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they will carry with them throughout their lives.
Swim team provides opportunities for social and emotional development, a physical and recreational outlet, and an atmosphere of good sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun for all. Our swim team embraces the core values of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Our dedicated and experienced coaches provide each swimmer with the maximum opportunity for development.
Our Teams
Gordon Family YMCA Tiger Sharks
Lakewood Family YMCA Sharks
Morgan Family YMCA Sea Dragons
Tom Taylor Family YMCA Seals
Mel Korum Family YMCA Typhoons
Bremerton Family YMCA Lightning Bolts
Yes, all swim team members must also have an active YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties membership.
Team dues are collected monthly. Additional fees are collected periodically if a swimmer participates in swim meets, purchasing replacement swim caps, etc.
Financial assistance is not available for team dues. However, membership scholarships are available and can be applied for on our membership page of our website.
Yes, all swimmers must schedule a tryout prior to joining swim team.
We highly recommend swimmers complete YMCA Swim Lessons or equivalent. However, our coaches are generally looking for swimmers who can swim at least 100 yards and can demonstrate basic ability of the four main competitive swim strokes (Crawlstroke, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly).
Swimmers must come to the Y with their swimsuit, goggles, swim cap (team swim cap will be provided upon joining), & towel. All other gear (fins, kickboards, etc will be provided on site.
We highly recommend all swimmers regularly participate in swim meets. Except for the Bremerton Family YMCA Swim Team, meet attendance is voluntary. The Bremerton Family YMCA Swim Team requires monthly participation in swim meets to maintain their status as a USA Swim Club.
Swim meets may take place at your local Y, other Y's and or local pools across our service area in Pierce and Kitsap Counties, and/or through our local Western Washington YMCA swim governing board, the Puget Sound Swimming Association which serves YMCA swim teams across Western Washington. Swimmers may also get the opportunity to swim at regional and national meets across the country.
Dues were calculated by looking at each group's weekly number of practice hours as well as the intensity of training delivered to each group.
For beginner boys, we recommend solid black or blue trunks or jammer shorts. For beginner girls, we recommend one-piece swimsuits that are solid black or blue. If looking at different colors, we recommend find a color that matches your teams home color. Ask your coach if they provide links or resources on where to purchase preferred team suits.