Swim Team Youth

The Sewickley Sea Dragons competitive swim team emphasizes teamwork, fun, character development and good sportsmanship. Our structured practices focus on technique with the belief that with good technique, speed will follow. Practices are set up by age group. We feel it is important for kids to be with their peers. Within the age groups we set up training groups based on ability.

Our goal is to inspire a life-long love of swimming, while emphasizing the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. For Ages 6 to 18 years

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SWIM TEAM

Coaches will review new swimmer’s strokes to insure they are ready for swim team and for proper placement in the program.

New Novice, 6-8 – can swim one length of freestyle with side breathing, and backstroke in good form. Equivalent swim lessons completed is Stage 4, Stroke Introduction.

Advanced Novice, 7-8 – same as new novice with the addition of proficiency in butterfly and breaststroke. Equivalent swim lessons completed is Stage 5, Stroke Development. Coach must approve placement in this group.

9-10 – can swim 50 yards of freestyle with side breathing, and backstroke in good form. They should be able to swim at least 25 yards of breast and fly. Equivalent swim lessons completed is Stage 5, Stroke Development or Stage 6, Stroke Mechanics.

11 & Up – are proficient in all 4 competitive strokes and can swim 100 yards of front crawl and backstroke, and 50 yards of breast and fly. Equivalent swim lessons completed is Stage 6, Stroke Mechanics.

Please Contact Head Coach, Paula Kwalick with questions.

2025-26 FALL/WINTER SEASON

SEASON runs October 1 – their last meet, (typically February). All swimmers are required to participate in 4 dual/tri meets and league championship. Several invitationals will be offered throughout the season – these are optional. Novice Championships, (8 & under), are in February. Silver Champs, Districts and States are held in March and have qualifying times.

NEW SWIMMER EVALUATIONS will be held on Wednesday, September 10 or Monday, September 22, at 6 pm. It is recommended that you pre-register for evaluation. All new swimmers must be evaluated.

INFORMATIONAL PARENT REGISTRATION MEETINGS are Monday, September 15, or Tuesday, September 23, 6-6:45 pm at the Community Activity Center, (building in upper lot). Registration is only available by attending a parent meeting.

SWIM SUIT TRY-ON AND SALE will be Monday, September 29, 4-7 pm on the pool deck.  We will have a limited number of new and gently used items for sale at the event. You will also be able to order personalized team swim caps. Team suits and other items are available through TYR and/or Swim Outlet team pages, accessible through our Team Unify site. Team suits, caps and training equipment are required. Swimmers should try on suits prior to ordering to ensure proper fit.

Swim Team Participants must be Sewickley YMCA members.

Please enroll based on swimmer’s age as of 12/1/25.