When to Start Swim Team: Understanding the Perfect Time to Sign Your Child Up for Competitive Swimming!

Are you considering signing your child up for a swim team but unsure about the right time to start? This decision is more than just about swimming; it can shape your child's confidence, social skills, and overall health. Swimming is a vital skill that keeps them active and safe. But when is it time to take the plunge?

Understanding Your Child's Readiness

Before enrolling your child in a swim team, it's important to evaluate their swimming skills. Ideally, your child should feel comfortable in the water and know the basics of swimming strokes like freestyle and backstroke. Many programs require children to pass a swim test before joining. Parents can facilitate readiness by enrolling their kids in swim lessons early on.

Example Readiness Test:

• Swim 25 yards freestyle without stopping

• Swim 25 yards backstroke without stopping

• Tread water for 1min

• Float for 1 min

• Jump or dive into the deep end and re-surface to the water, showing body control

The "Right" Age to Start

Every child is unique, and may grasp swimming skills a different rates/ages. Research suggests that starting swim lessons as early as age 5 can lead to a solid foundation.

Most swim teams start with the 8 & Under group - the youngest age group in swimming competitions. If your child has the skills to compete, but is well under the age of 8, just know that they will probably be competing against kids a few years older than them. However, if starting young they will be well-versed in the sport by the time they are 8 years-old.

As a swim coach, the youngest kids I coach are typically around 6 years old. That said, there really is no "right" time to start swim team, as every child is different.

Choosing the Right Swim Team

Once you've decided to move forward, selecting the right swim team is vital. You can find various options, from community leagues to competitive clubs. For beginners, a summer swim team is a great way to try-out the sport in a fun atmosphere.

As your child grows and improves, consider looking into more competitive teams that offer specialized training. For example, a club that participates in USA Swimming can provide exposure to higher-level competitions. Talk to other parents and coaches for recommendations and insights about the team’s atmosphere.

Benefits Beyond Competition

Joining a swim team can provide a wealth of benefits beyond just swimming skills. Children learn invaluable life skills such as teamwork and accountability. Research shows that kids involved in sports display better academic performance and improved self-esteem.