1.    What is the Pirates Swim club?

The Pirates is a parent-run summer swim club based out of the Brennan Park Leisure Centre in Squamish, BC. It is a club that aims to develop a love for swimming, competition and lifelong friendship.

Parents should note that the swim club is a competitive club and should not be considered swim lessons.  The goals of the swim club are different and each swimmer has different goals as determined with the coaches.  

Our goal is to augment our summer swimmers therefore, if you join us during the winter maintenance season we anticipate that you will be continuing through the summer competitive season.  

2.    What is the swim season?

Summer Swim season (competitive)- May - early August (first long weekend) and includes the option to attend several swim meets and 'Regionals' held the first weekend in August)

Practice Schedule

  • Practice frequency increases during the summer season with an emphasis on stroke refinement, speed training and race technique.  These sessions are specially designed for each ability level in a supportive and encouraging environment.  Thre are two group levels:
    • Group 1- Swimmers who have not yet participated in a summer competitive season, and developing swimmers.  This includes all new Pirates and those who currently practice in the early group during fall/winter.
    • Group 2 and 3: Experienced competitive summer swimmers.  This includes those currently practicing in the late group during fall/winter
  • The Head Coach assesses swimmers the first week of May to determine if there are any adjustments between the groups.  

Meets

The Pirates have the opportunity to participate in BC Summer Swim Association meets in the Lower Mainland and one 'away' meet on the island.  Swimmers can attend as many or as few meets they choose.  

Sign up sheets are posted on the bulleting board in advance of each meet.  This year (2012), the Pirates are pleased to cover the race entry fees.  Please note that swimmers who have signed up and later do not attend will be requested to reimburse the Club for fees paid on their behalf.

Fall and Winter (a.k.a ‘maintenance’) is where swimmers practice one to two times/week to work on stroke improvement, turns and general fitness in a fun team environment. 

Fall season: October- December

Winter season: January  April

Fall and Winter practice is Tuesday and Thursday evenings:

  • New and developing pirates are expected to be on deck for warm up at 4:45pm with swim practice from 5:00pm- 6:00pm.
  • Experienced Pirates are expected on deck at 5:45pm for warm up with swim practice from 6:00pm- 7:00pm.

 3.    When is registration and what are the fees?

Next registration will be in late September for our Fall maintenance program, which runs Tuesday/Thursdays October- mid December.

4.    What equipment does my child need?

A swimsuit, goggles, bathing cap and water bottle.  Any swimsuit is fine and the club does sell the boys jammers and girls bathing suits.  Prices range from $25-$80. Caps $5 or $15 (latex or silicon)

Swimsuits/jammers and other supplies can be purchased at Team Aquatic Supplies on Dollarton Ave. in North Vancouver which is your best chance to find goggles and suits to fit all needs.

Check out website:  www.team-aquatic.com

Search under Women’s and Mens and ‘training suits’.

For the girls:

Speedo Endurance – super pro back (wider strap)

For the boys:

TYR jammers – like ‘lightyear’

Any of these types of suits will last a while. Our team orders black and red colour combinations since many use them for racing too but get whatever your child likes!

Mention you are with the Pirates and you get 10% off.

5.    My child is young, can he/she still join?

Absolutely!  If your child can swim 25m or one length of the pool unassisted and/or have completed Swim Kids 4 they can become a ‘Pirate’.  The focus with the young swimmers is to develop their stroke skills and give them confidence in the water.  It is important to note that the swim club is not swimming lessons, there are no interim reports or report cards.

6.    What are my responsibilities as a ‘Pirate Parent’?

Essentially, we expect you to support your child and the club in the best way you can. This will include volunteering at meets, participating in club events and fundraisers.  There are parent meetings each month, as well as team nights where you can find out more about the club and ways to support your swimmer. Visit the registration page for more information and read the Athlete & Parent Guide