When is the Swim Season?
The swim season usually starts at the beginning of October and goes until Mid-June. Our season ends with the Freeze and Fry meet held in Red Deer Alberta in June.
Who Can Join?
Anyone who is 5 to 18 years old is eligible to join the club as an age group swimmer (18 and over can join but are considered Masters swimmers). The only pre-requisite for all prospective swimmers is to be able to swim one length of the pool (25m) unassisted (without touching the bottom of pool, ropes, or the wall).
To inquired about registering with the club reach out to the Registrar at [email protected]
What are Practices Like?
The core method used to teach new swim techniques and facilitation of personal development is through regular, coordinated practices, primarily involving swimming lengths. New swimmers are encouraged to start out swimming their own style, but within a few weeks, they will be introduced to swimming freestyle. As swimmers advance, new strokes will continue to be introduced, even the fly! Swimmers will also learn proper techniques of dive starts, off the blocks and off the ledge, and flip turns.
For the 2025/2026 season our club will consist of 3 groups based on age and swimming ability. Swimmers may be reassigned by the coaching staff to a different group during the first few weeks of swimming. Once a swimmer is assigned to a group they will only be moved to another group at the discretion of the coaches.
How Much Does the Swim Season Cost?
The swim fees are set each year by the board before registration night and can vary from year to year based on lane fees, coaches salaries etc.
What are Swim Meets Like?
If you are new to swim meets check out the tab swim meet 101 under 'Meets and Events' for more information about what to expect.
How Many Swim Meets are There?
Since we are members of the CARS series this gives our club the opportunity to attend 5 CARS meets during our swim season. While ribbons and medals are given for placement at the meets by age group, the focus is on beating individual best time records.
Each swimmer is encouraged to attend our home meet. Meet fees are non refundable after the scratch date, this means that once you have registered for a meet, you are committed to attend/pay for the meet.
Cars swim meets are on Saturdays typically with warm up around 8 and finishing before 5. Larger meets may have Friday evening events and extend into Sunday. All swimmers are expected to be on deck for warm-ups at the meets scheduled warmup time. While it may appear that there is a lot of down time between activities or events, it is important to remember that these are when the equally important social and team bonding occurs between swimmers. Not all swim events are offered at all meets.
Do I need to Volunteer and Fundraise?
Yes, please refer to the policies section on the webpage to view what your volunteer and fundraising commitments are.
How Do I Receive Club Communications?
All communication amongst club members is done via our swimtopia site and we will be establishing a whatsapp group.
It is the swimmer’s responsibility to ensure that they have a current email address as Swimtopia is the main form of electronic communication. This is very important, as this is the primary tool used to inform swimmers and parents of important information, such as swim meet instructions. There is an email to contact coaches on the Swimtopia site, where parents can email the head coach with general questions regarding the club or questions specific to the head coach.
Contact information for assistant coaches is also available for parents who may have questions regarding their groups/swimmers. Coaches will let their swimmers know when they are available after practices to answer questions, concerns, etc. The Rocky Barracuda Swim Club has a “24 hour rule” regarding potential conflict situations. The "24 Hour Rule" states that coaches, parents, or swimmers will not discuss a situation until at least 24 hours after the fact. This important rule does two things. First, it moves the discussion away from the presence of the swimmer. Second, it allows all parties to have time to put things in perspective and "cool off", if necessary. If a concern needs to be addressed a complaint can be made in writing to the Club President rbsc[email protected]
What Team Wear Will I Receive?
Club Suits
For the 2025 season club suits have not been included in registration fees. When ordering a suit the payment will be made directly to our supplier. Suits will be fitted at Registration night and distributed to the swimmers upon their arrival. It is encouraged that the club suit is used only for swim meets and that a separate suit is used for practices.
Swim Caps
Each swimmer is given a club swim cap at the start of the season. If it is lost or damaged, additional caps can be purchased from the club (limited quantity)
Clothing
Is available to order check out the team store tab for a link to our supplier.
Can I Volunteer to be an Official on Deck at Swim Meets?
Absolutely! Competitive swimming is a sport which requires a lot of volunteers and officials on deck. There is usually also free lunch and snacks for volunteers!
For more information about the officiating process please speak to one of the board members.
