Barracudas Swim Team
Dive into Excellence with YWCA’s Swim Team Program! Join a community of passionate swimmers dedicated to achieving greatness. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a water enthusiast looking to make a splash, our program offers the perfect blend of skill development, friendship and fun. Make waves with us and embark on a journey to swimming success!
Summer Swim Team
Summer Season runs mid-May through mid-July with 5-6 meets and championships.
Fall Training
Two sessions to improve endurance, gain skills and have fun. Mini session runs from mid-August to September. Regular session runs from September to February.
Winter Warm Up
Winter Warm Up is a 10-week jump-start to summer swim team. It allows all levels of ability to strengthen stroke technique, starts, turns and race strategy in a fun and positive atmosphere.
We look forward to welcoming new and returning Barracudas that are ready to feed on the competition!
Summer 2024 Swim Team
Registration Fee
$195 per swimmer. Fee includes: T-shirt, swim cap, Swimmingly account (more info on that later), tons of practices, trophy and Champs entry fee if your swimmer is eligible to enter/able to participate.
Practice Schedule & Locations
Now offering practices at TWO locations!
The YWCA is proud to announce a partnership with Echo Farms and New Hanover County Parks and Gardens!
This partnership will allow our swim families the option of practice times after traditional work , summer camp and summer school hours. Practice at Echo Farms will start after Memorial Day. There are limited spaces available at Echo Farms practices - we will be monitoring the swim team registration questionnaire regarding practice location preference. There will not be a free swim option before or after practice at Echo Farms. Families will be able to choose to practice only at YWCA, only at Echo Farms or mix and match as there is availability to do so. As this is the first season we have done this we are asking for some good communication from families and flexibility from everyone as well!
MONDAY - FRIDAY @ YWCA
May 20th - June 5th
3:30-4:30 8 & unders
4:30-5:30 9-12 year olds
5:30-6:30 13 & up
June 6th - July 19th
2:30-3:30 6 & unders
3:30-4:30 7-8 year olds
4:30-5:30 9-12 year olds
5:30-6:30 13 & up
MONDAY - THURSDAY @ ECHO FARMS POOL
May 28th - July 19th
6:00-7:00 8 & unders
7:00-8:00 9 & up
ALL LOCATIONS: No practice Memorial Day and July 4th
Swim Meets
Swim meet dates/times are subject to change. Swimmers must swim in at least 3 of the 5 dual meets in order to compete in Champs.
Week 1 - Tuesday, June 11 vs CFCC at CFCC warmup 4:45 start 5:30
Week 2 - Wednesday, June 19 vs WSST at Legion warmup 4:30 start 5:00
Week 3 - Relay Meet* Invite Only - Monday, June 24th at CFCC time TBD
Week 4 - Tuesday, July 2nd vs Marsh Oaks at YWCA warmup 4:00 start 5:00
Week 5 - Wednesday, July 10 vs PVCC at YWCA warmup 4:00 start 5:00
Week 6 - Wednesday, July 17th vs Covil Estates at YWCA warmup 4:00 start 5:00
Champs 7/21 & 722
Team Suits
First of all, team suits are NOT required.
Team suits will be available as an additional purchase through Toad Hollow Athletics at their retail store located at 260 Racine Dr #6 as well as their website.
We are once again doing the black suits with the Barracuda logo.
We are still firming up details with Toad Hollow. We will email the team when orders are open with the store.
Is my swimmer ready for swim team?
Swimmers 6 & under must be able to swim 1/2 length/12.5 yards of the pool (without stopping, holding on the rope or wall) freestyle and backstroke. We’ve had 3 year olds on swim team - but they’ve been able to swim that requirement with ease!
All other swimmers should be able to comfortably swim one length/25 yards of freestyle and backstroke.
We recommend all swimmers have completed Level 3 (or equivalent) of swim lessons before participating in swim team. This ensures a solid foundation and comfort in deeper water.
In addition to swim skills, swimmers should be able to follow multi-step directions, be ready to accept feedback and be a positive, respectful part of the team and practice sessions.
Volunteer requirement for parents
All families are required to volunteer at least two times a season. Volunteer jobs at swim meets include: timing, heat runner, stroke and turn (2 hour training and swim knowledge required), concession sales (home meets). Volunteers ensure that the meets run smoothly.
Let’s Party!
Kick off the season with us on Sunday, May 19th, 4pm-6pm
End of season awards party is Saturday, July 27th 4pm-6pm
Pool party for the family including pizza and drinks for all the kids. Let’s hope for no rain this year!
How to Register
Registration opens Monday, March 18th at 9am. There are plenty of spaces so do not feel the need to rush registration that morning.
Register in person, by phone or online.
To register in person, come to the YWCA pool located at 2815 S College Rd. Please know that the parking lot will be busy and please do not park in the 4 spaces designated for childcare parking. Please wait outside until we are ready for registration, and then we will only allow 2-3 people into the lobby at a time.
To register by phone please call 910-799-6820 x109. Leave a message with your child’s name. We will call back registrants in the order we receive the voicemail. Please do not continue to call the YWCA as this holds up available phone lines - making it difficult to return calls.
To register online, please do to this link. If you are a nonmember, you will need to create a membership account. You can select any Aquatics membership type noting that membership alone does not include use of the pool outside of swim team practices. If you have any questions about YWCA membership please call the YWCA pool front desk. If you are a current or past YWCA member please login. Do not create a new member account. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in, you can email pool@ywca-lowercapefear.org anytime and we will submit a password reset on your behalf.
Swim Team FAQs
What is the goal of YWCA Barracudas Swim Team?
The goal of Swim Team is to improve swim knowledge and ability, and to encourage an atmosphere that promotes fun, teamwork and friendship!
Does Swim Team run all year?
YWCA Barracudas have the opportunity to train all year. Fall Training has two sessions that teach endurance and build skills (there are no swim meets in the Fall). Winter Warm Up enables swimmers to keep up with the skills they’ve learned and get a jumpstart to the summer swim meets. It allows all levels of ability to strengthen their stroke technique, starts, turns, muscle strength, endurance and race strategy. The goal of Winter Warm Up is to promote the sport of swimming in a fun, healthy and positive atmosphere. Summer Swim Team is the competitive season with 5-6 swim meets from mid-May through mid-July.
How do I register for Swim Team if I am currently or have been a YWCA Member?
Registration can be done online here. If you are currently or have been a YWCA Member do not create a new membership account; instead try to access your old account. If you have difficulties please email pool@ywca-lowercapefear.org and we will assist with retrieving your password.
How do I register for Swim Team if I am not a YWCA Member ?
If you are not currently a member, please select a membership option. If you are unsure of the best membership option for your household, contact the YWCA Pool Front Desk (910-799-6820 ext. 109 or pool@ywca-lowercapefear.org)