Please explain the mechanics of swim team during the school year

[Anonymous]

9 year old DS has just gotten into swimming. Right now, he can swim 400 meters freestyle without stopping, but has limited ability with the other strokes. As the summer swim season is almost over, I have not signed him up for that. What about during the school year? What are the hours and locations (we're in Bethesda)? Is it much more serious and less fun? Will I have to spend a lot of time volunteering?

Thank you for your help.

[Anonymous]

I can't speak for Md area programs, but we do AAC (Arlington Aquatic Club) all year. Both my kids love it. I do too, to a lesser degree, it is time consuming. We had practice on Tues/Thurs nights when they were in what was called swim team prep so we had to eat early dinners. It is not nearly as volunteer intensive as summer swim team is - that consumes your life for 6 weeks. They got a lot of out of it and made good friends. I'm sure there's a program that is similar. Have you looked at the Y? They usually have some pretty good teams in MD.

[Anonymous]

I don't know about MD either but Faitfax County runs swim clinics throughout the year that are not at all intense but good for skill-building. Maybe Montgomery County offers something similar. It's pretty no-frills but low commitment too. Might be a good way to build proficiency, then look for a more rigorous experience next year.

[Anonymous]

Are you looking for an off-season swim team or just stroke development? In MoCo, you have FINS out of Georgetown Prep (not a team), RMSC, Tollefson, Joe Flaherty's Dolphins, etc.