HOW TO JOIN THE YOUTH SWIM PROGRAM

Follow this step-by-step guide to join the team.

  1. Learn about the team. You may have questions about Fees & Commitments, Training Groups, Locations, or Schedules, and our website provides many answers. Please review the FAQs at the bottom of this page before signing up for a tryout.
  2. Sign up for a tryout. (We are currently working on scheduling our next tryout.  In the meantime, please sign up for our interest list below and we will let you know when it is scheduled!)
  3. Stay in touch. If you are interested in joining our team, sign up for our PAC Interest Mailing List (this is hosted on Mailchimp).  We will keep you posted about upcoming tryouts and other opportunities to prepare to swim for PAC!

How to Join/Tryout FAQs

It's normal to have a lot of questions when you start something new. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often.

How do I know if my swimmer is ready for a team?

PAC welcomes swimmers at many levels. The skills below create the foundation for a positive and successful experience.

  • Ready to Start: Swimmers can participate in practice safely if they have passed the “Dolphin” level at Portland Parks and Recreation swim lessons or the equivalent. At this point, they can complete 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke, and have knowledge of breaststroke.
  • Eager to Improve: Swimmers can understand the sport even better after they have passed the “Park Shark” level at Portland Parks and Recreation or the equivalent. At this point, they can complete “legal” 50 yards of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, fly, racing dive off the starting block, and flip turn. This skill set provides a clear sense of purpose at practice.
  • Excited to Excel: Prospective year-round swimmers ideally have experience with competitive swimming. Examples include Portland Parks and Recreation Blue Makos, Summer Swim League, or equivalent programs. With this experience, swimmers can make their own informed decisions about readiness for a year-round commitment.
What should we expect at a tryout?

Your child will have the opportunity to meet the coaches on deck and swim. The coaches will confirm that your child can participate in practice safely, and then determine which training group would be most appropriate.

What does it mean to join a year-round team?

Our team practices each month of the year, with a long break in August. Leaves of absence are available for medical reasons. Of course we understand that some swimmers are multi-sport athletes and we value interests outside the pool. Paying dues will retain a spot on the team even if your swimmer cannot attend every practice.

What if I have other questions not addressed here?

To connect with our coaches, please find their email addresses on our Coaching Staff page.
For billing, fundraising, or volunteer requirements, please email our admin team:  [email protected].