Frequently Asked Questions

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This depends on the level of the swimmer. Please check the policy manual or under the Parent Information tab for the current fee structure.

Our SEAL program runs from September to end of April.

Pre competitive will run until mid-May.

Regional and provincial programs run from September to June, and the National program runs from September to August.

Yes, all Chatham Pool Shark swimmers must be a YMCA member. It is up to you to decide which type of membership works best for your family (i.e. just a youth membership or a family membership). Please contact the Chatham-Kent YMCA for prices and types of memberships.

This depends on the age and level of the swimmer. Our coaches assess your swimmer and place them in the correct group. See our weekly schedule for examples of practice times.

We encourage swimmers to practice as much as they can and strive for perfect attendance….but we all know that kids get sick, have birthday parties, go on vacation, and sometimes just need a day off.

1. Team bathing suit (provided as part of registration fee for SEAL program). 
2. Team swim cap (provided as part of registration fee)
3. Team t-shirt (provided as part of registration fee)
4. Practice swim suit - you provide
5. Goggles - you provide
6. Towels - 1 or 2 per practice
7. Flip flops  or Crocs for on deck
8. Competitive-level swimmers are required to purchase fins, snorkel, paddles and pull buoy (with notice from Coach).

As long as you know the basics of front crawl or backstroke, we will teach you the competitive strokes. The 4 competitive strokes are:

– Freestyle (sometimes called front crawl)

– Backstroke (sometimes called back crawl)

– Breaststroke

– Butterfly

* An IM (individual medley) is a race where a swimmer will do at least one lap of each stroke consecutively in the following order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.

Good technique is very important to becoming a successful competitive swimmer. Deciding whether or not to take lessons is up to you and can be discussed with your child's swim coach to help you make the best decision. Many of our swimmers take lessons in the summer when the swim season is over. Since all Chatham Pool Shark swimmers are YMCA members, they are entitled to free sessions of swimming lessons with their YMCA membership. Please contact the YMCA regarding lesson specifics.

No. Swimmers who wish to attend the SEAL Year-End Championships must attend a minimum of 2 SEAL Meets from October - April. Invitational meets are entirely optional and pay-as-you-go.

Swimming Canada lists all meet results here  by meet name. Swimming Canada also has an online digital profile for every registered swimmer in Canada. To view your child's profile, use the search function at www.swimming.ca.