s/o What's with all of the swim teams around here?

[Anonymous]

Since moving to this area I've been struck by how many kids seem to swim competitively. There are so many local pools and it seems to be almost as popular as soccer. This is new to me, as where I previously lived there were only public municipal pools, most of which didn't have swim teams, or there were private country clubs (that are exclusive and very expensive). Can anyone explain the Washington DC pool club culture to me, especially the swim teams? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

white people fucking love swimming

[Anonymous]

It's hot here

[Anonymous]

I feel like its escalated in the past 10-15 years. I grew up around here, and while I remember friends on swim team, it was certainly not the majority of them. Now I'm a nanny working pretty close to my childhood home. When I was interviewing for a new job in the spring, every family I spoke with that had school age kids had them on swim team.

[Anonymous]

As a parent with multiple kids who swim, it is nice to find a sport they can all participate in and also at the same time. My husband and I can cheer on the kids, and the kids can also cheer on their siblings. Boys or girls, ages 6-18!

[Anonymous]

If you're talking about summer swim teams they are an inexpensive way simultaneously to entertain the kids and get them some great exercise.

[Anonymous]

22:08 here, I also want to add that your kid doesn't have to be the fastest to have success in swimming. Besides doing well in his/her heat, there is also the chance to improve their individual time, which can be very rewarding for young swimmers.

[Anonymous]

I know it's unfair of me, but I resent the major focus on swim teams around here. Most of the teams meet in the morning (and most mornings of the week) so my young kids can't be on the team since it conflicts with the camps they attend while I'm at work. Anyway, my complaint is that at our pool and the others near here it's hard for kids to make friends and not feel like an outsider if they're not on the swim team.

Last night we enjoyed hanging at the pool but it was dominated by a big group of probably 20 kids swimming and goofing off together and it was obvious by their jokes and conversations that they all know each other from the team. I wish there were more social events at our pool for kids that didn't revolve around the team. We all pay the same amount to enjoy the pool and it's atmosphere.

My friend brags that at her pool, the swim team kids act like a fraternity & sorority. She thinks that's fun. I think that's unfortunate.

[Anonymous]

I'm actually kind of amazed at how un-diverse swimming is. Only sport I've seen this so far.

[Anonymous]

Our team has afternoon practices as well as morning so it is not an issue for kids that are in camp/daycare. There are a bunch of Asians swimming, but yes not that many African americans.

I consider it a fun summer activity for my kids, and its excellent exercise.

I grew up around here and it was pretty big in the 80s also.

[Anonymous]

We LOVE swimteam. I am in awe of how kind, sporty, and fun the whole sport is for the entire family. 7 and 11 DC swim. Mom (me) swam summerteam growing up--one of my favorite memories. And our team is diverse, Silver Spring area

[Anonymous]

What if your kid's not that into swimming?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:white people fucking love swimming

It was big when I grew up in NJ in the 80s too. And it was a big deal (to me and my family) when I decided to quit in middle school. I won't force my kids to do it, but I'll certainly encourage it. Our other activities are quiet over the summer so it's a nice way to spend time as a family for a couple months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like its escalated in the past 10-15 years. I grew up around here, and while I remember friends on swim team, it was certainly not the majority of them. Now I'm a nanny working pretty close to my childhood home. When I was interviewing for a new job in the spring, every family I spoke with that had school age kids had them on swim team.

Nope, I grew up in the area and 30+ years ago when i was a kid it was very popular and the thing to do in the summer. I am in an area now that has few membership pool options so there is less focus n swim team. It's just a summer activity for most kids. Few are in it to become truly competitive.

[Anonymous]

I also grew up here and all my friends were on swim teams. We did not belong to a pool and I felt very left out.