The Sea Turtles Swim Team is a competitive youth swim program for swimmers ages 7–18 who are ready to build strong technique, confidence, and teamwork in the water. Swimmers are coached in all four competitive swim strokes while developing sportsmanship and team spirit as they compete with other YMCA swim teams across Minnesota. The season typically runs from late September through mid-February and is open to YMCA members who meet swim readiness requirements.
| Program | Season | YMCA Member | Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Season Swim Team | Oct–Feb (5 months) | $500 | $635 |
| Boys JV/Varsity Pre-Season | Oct–Nov (2 months) | $256 | $310 |
| Girls JV/Varsity Season | Dec–Feb (3 months) | $300 | $381 |
Notes:
• YMCA membership required for participation
• Monthly payment plans, multi-sibling discounts & financial assistance available
Financial assistance applications are available at the membership desk or online.
In the case of a cancellation, credit vouchers may be granted. NO REFUNDS. If circumstances dictate closing of the pool or early ending of session by the YMCA, prorated vouchers may be granted from closure time till reminder of session
New Swimmer Assessments Sea Turtles Handbook Team Sponsorship Information
Sea Turtles Code of Conduct Team Swim Suit Information How to mark your swimmers arm for a swim meet
It does depend on the strength of the child but a good age to start swim team is age 7 years.
Yes, coaches need to assess beginner swimmers prior to the start of swim team. This is usually done at the Itasca YMCA swimming pool on scheduled evenings. Child should bring swimsuit, towel, and goggles for the assessment test. Children 7-9 years should be able to swim comfortably the length of the pool without any assistance (25 yards). Children 10 years and older should be able to swim comfortably two lenghts of the pool without any assistance (50 yards). SEE NEW SWIMMER ASSESSMENT LINK
Children that have participated in level 5 - YMCA swim lessons are usually ready for swim team.
Yes, swim team will teach swimmers stroke and proper breathing.
Full Season runs end of September through mid-February.
Sea Turtles swim team practices at the Robert J Elkington Middle School. Due to the size restrictions, no diving and 5 lanes at the YMCA pool, we rent the from ISD 318 to use the middle school pool. ISD 318 rental fees are included in the cost of our program.
Practices are held 6-8pm. Swimmers are broken into two groups and either swim 6-7pm or 7-8pm. Beginner swimmers and younger swimmers typically swim 6-7pm. Older swimmers that are beginners may be asked to move to 7-8pm practice slot as they improve.
Practices are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
It is encouraged that swimmers attend all scheduled practices but we understand that may not be an option for all families. There are no minimum days to attend practice but, as with any other skill or activity, the more practices a swimmer attends in a week they will become a better swimmer.
Half season is typically only available for swimmers that are on junior varsity or vasity high school swim team.
The Itasca YMCA hosts three home swim meets at the MS during the full season (Sept-Feb). Meets are held on Saturdays and usually start at 10am and last four hours. Swimmers do not have to participate in swim meets. Swimmers do have to compete in three swim meets (home or away) if they want to swim in the section or state swim meet. Away meets are optional and usually held in Duluth, Superior, Brainerd and possibly St. Cloud or Minneapolis. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from away meets. Section meet usually involves travelling and state meet is always held at the University of MN Aquatics Center in Minneapolis.
Yes, according to YUSA all swim team participants must have a YMCA membership to participate on swim team. Children 12 years and older can use the Itasca YMCA facility during operating hours without an adult present. Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, a team swimsuit for swim meets is required. Information about the team suit is given at the Parent Meeting that is typically held on a Mondayat the start of the season. Financial assistance is available for any swimmer that needs help purchasing a team suit. Team swimsuits should be saved and worn at all meets. A team suit makes a child feel like part of the Sea Turtles Swim Team. Swim Caps can be purchased at the YMCA Membership Desk along with goggles.
