WHEN DO YOUR PROGRAMS RUN AND WHEN DOES REGISTRATION OPEN?
The competitive summer season runs from May 1st to mid-August. Registration typically opens late February for returning families and early March for new families.
The winter maintenance season runs from mid-October to late April. Registration typically opens early September for returning families and late September for new families.
Please check the “Registration” tab for specific dates.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Registration is completed online. For returning families, a link will be sent to you via email. For new families, a link will be posted on our website. For both our summer and winter maintenance programs, swimmers will be placed in a group according to age and skill level. If you are a new swimmer, please expect group adjustments within the first two weeks of the season. It is our goal to have all swimmers in an optimal training environment to best suit their abilities and needs. If deemed necessary by the Head Coach, assessments may be held to determine swimmers’ group placements.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?
Please find program fees in the “Registration” tab.
WHAT ARE MY PAYMENT OPTIONS?
We will only be accepting e-transfer, and you can pay in one or up to three instalments (May 1st, June 1st, & July 1st).
The volunteer deposit is included in registration for the summer season. At the end of the season, families will receive a refund reflecting the volunteer hours completed during the season. Information about available volunteer opportunities will be provided prior to the start of the summer season. Please note that volunteer opportunities may vary every year, and specific details will be communicated accordingly.
CAN I PAY BY CREDIT CARD?
No. We will only be accepting e-transfer, and you can pay in one or up to three instalments (May 1st, June 1st, & July 1st).
I MISSED THE REGISTRATION DATES, NOW WHAT?
You should email our Registrar to let them know you are interested in joining the club. The Registrar can send you a link to register. It will be necessary to show the Registrar proof of birth date. This can be accomplished by meeting the Registrar in person and presenting the physical document. Once the Registrar has confirmed your online registration is complete, the Head Coach will be notified for group placement.
WHAT DATES/TIMES WILL I PRACTICE IN THE SUMMER?
The schedule for each group changes monthly as we share pool time with the public and different user groups. Generally, the younger swimmers swim first within a time slot, followed by the older swimmers. All groups partake in a 15 minute activation before getting into the water. This time will always be included in your practice time on the schedule (there is no need to arrive 15 minutes prior to the listed time). Additionally, all division groups have 1-2 dryland sessions per week, which are clearly listed on the schedule as “DL”. These 30 minute sessions replace the 15 minute activation, and provide coaches with the opportunity to lead swimmers through longer workouts or group games/activities. Depending on age and division, swimmers may have scheduled morning practices. Participation in these practices is encouraged just as strongly as participation in afternoon practices.
The Head Coach will make every effort to post the first half of the summer schedule in mid-April, with the full summer schedule posted by the end of May.
| LITTLE STINGRAYS | DIVISION 1-3 | DIVISION 4-7 | MASTERS | |
| Activation | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Dryland | N/A | 1-2 per week | 2 per week | N/A |
| Practices per week | 3 practices per week (PM ONLY) | 4-6 practices per week (including 1-2 morning practices) | 6-7 practices per week (including 2 morning practices) | 1-2 practices per week (PM ONLY) |
| Practice length (in water) | 45-60 minutes | 1 hour | 1-2 hours | 1 hour |
WHAT DATES/TIMES WILL I PRACTICE IN THE WINTER?
The winter maintenance schedule is a set schedule for the whole season (October-April). Generally, the younger swimmers swim first within a time slot, followed by the older swimmers. All groups partake in a 15 minute activation before getting into the water. This time will always be included in your practice time on the schedule (there is no need to arrive 15 minutes prior to the listed time). Dryland sessions and morning practices do not take place during the winter maintenance season.
The Head Coach will make every effort to post the first half of the winter schedule in early October, with the full winter schedule posted by the end of December.
| LITTLE STINGRAYS | DIVISION 1-3 | DIVISION 4-7 | MASTERS | |
| Activation | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Practices per week | 1 practice per week SATURDAY | 1-2 practices per week SATURDAY/ SUNDAY | 1-2 practices per week SUNDAY/ WEDNESDAY | 1-2 practices per week MONDAY/ WEDNESDAY |
| Practice length (in water) | 45 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour | 1 hour |
THE SEASON HAS ALREADY STARTED, IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO JOIN?
You should email our Registrar to let them know you are interested in joining the club. We will do our best to accommodate late registrations. If there is room in the appropriate swim group, we would be happy to have you join part way through the season, but it is not guaranteed. It is important to keep in mind we try and group swimmers of similar ages and abilities together, and if the group best suited to you is full, it may not be possible to join at that point.
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT JOINING THE CLUB, AM I ENTITLED TO A REFUND?
Other than the Two-Week Trial, refunds will not be granted unless the reason for discontinuing is the result of an injury/illness and is supported by a written note from a physician. The amount to be refunded will be pro-rated based on when the request is received (in writing), and decided upon by the Club President, Registrar, and Treasurer.
There will be no refund of the $40.00 BCSSA registration fee.
PRO-RATED REFUNDS:
| Before May 31 | 75% |
| May 31-June 15 | 50% |
| June 15-July 15 | 25% |
| After July 15 | NO REFUNDS |
WHAT IF I NEED TO MISS A PRACTICE?
Many of our swimmers are involved in other activities, so we understand that schedules do not always allow for full participation. However, we strongly encourage everyone to come to as many practices as possible to receive the full benefits of the training schedule.
I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A VACATION IN THE SUMMER, IS THIS STILL POSSIBLE?
Absolutely. Again, we encourage swimmers to attend as many practices as possible, but we understand vacations are a part of summer and the importance of taking a break!
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DOWNGRADE FROM THE COMPETITIVE PROGRAM TO LITTLE STINGRAYS?
Provided that you are within the age parameters for Little Stingrays and there is space within those groups, we can move you into that program and refund you the difference in fees.
I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN MASTERS ONCE A WEEK. AM I REQUIRED TO SWIM THE SAME DAY EACH WEEK?
Yes. Swimmers registered for 1 practice per week must be registered for the specific practice day they intend to attend (Monday or Thursday). Swimmers who would like the flexibility to attend either practice day (or both) must register for the two practices per week option.
AM I REQUIRED TO COMPETE?
We encourage our swimmers to attend meets, but it is not mandatory. Younger swimmers (Little Stingrays and Divisions 1-3) are eligible to compete at development meets. The purpose of these meets are to gently introduce swimmers to the swim meet environment. They are a fun, low pressure way to gain confidence and competitive experience. You and your coach will work together to determine if and when it would be appropriate to compete at a weekend (i.e. competitive) meet. Please find our meet schedule in the “Events” tab.
Again, we encourage our swimmers to attend meets but swimmers would never be forced to attend a meet – development or competitive.