Last summer, my kids joined a swim team for the first time, and it was such a great experience for our family. We joined the team with several friends and were able to enjoy the time together at practices and meets. The kids practiced for about an hour up to five times a week, competed in meets on Saturday mornings, and improved their strokes throughout the summer.
Even though it was not their favorite sport, we are continuing this summer. They get a little burned out on practices and do not particularly enjoy early morning meets. However, I love that they can stay active despite the summer heat. I also love the way it adds just enough structure to our summer.
Many of the local teams have tryouts or require swimmers to pass a swim test prior to joining the team. After that, practices begin in May or June with meets starting in late May or June. Many local teams are part of a league that includes many teams around the city.
If you are in search of a team for your child, check out the following teams found throughout Jacksonville. Review the location, cost, practice schedule, meet schedule of each to find the right team for you! For example, one of the pros of the team I have chosen is that all ages practice at the same time. You will also find that even though some teams practice at private pools, membership is not always required (Fees might just be discounted for members).
Swim Teams Around Town Include:
Argyle Waves Swim Team (AWST), Arlingwood Swim Club (ASC), Baymeadows Swim Team (BMST), Beaches Aquatic Club (BAC), Deerwood Swim Team (DST), Epping Forest Swim Team (EFST), Flying Fish Swim Team (FFST), Jewish Community Alliance (JCA), Julington Creek Plantation (JCP), Oceanway Tsunamis Swim Team (OTST), Ponte Vedra Swim Team (PVST), Rolling Hills Swim Team(RHST), San Jose Country Club (SJCC), Spartan Aquatics Club (SPAC), Team Fernandina Stingrays (TFS), Timuquana Yacht Club (TYC), Wahoos Swim Team (WST)
Any city pool with at least five registered participants can have a swim team. Check out the website for locations near you.
The YMCA offers swim team at its Barco-Newton, Yates, MacArthur, and Winston locations.
We enjoyed our team last summer and even earned a few blue and red ribbons! I am looking forward to our evenings at the pool this summer, watching my little ones improve their strokes. We are hoping JMB can help you find the perfect swim team for your family, too!
Bolles School has the great swim team too!! the number of the swimmers that they sent to Olympics is incredible! Bolles swim team accept everyone!!
We are considering moving to Jacksonville and my daughter is a competitive swimmer (she is 13) we are looking in St Johns area – which swim team is the closest?