🦦 Otter Pups Program
Otter Pups is our beginner program designed to help young swimmers build water confidence and learn foundational skills in a fun, supportive environment. We’ve updated the program this year to make it easier for families to follow along and understand swimmer progress each week.
Program Overview:
Ages: 4–6
Schedule: 2x per week, 30-minute practices
Session Dates: May 18 – June 15, 2026
Goal: Build water confidence and develop skills needed to join the Otters swim team
- Days: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday (based on preference)
- Time: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 How the Program Works
- Build comfort and confidence in the water
- Learn foundational swim techniques
- Work toward milestones for team promotion
Coaches will provide feedback on your swimmer’s progress throughout the session.
📈 Weekly Progression
Each week builds on the previous one as swimmers gain confidence and skills in the water. Progress is individualized and based on each swimmer’s comfort, confidence, and skill development.
- Week 1: Water comfort, entering/exiting the pool, basic floating and kicking
- Week 2: Streamline position, kicking with support, beginning arm movement
- Week 3: Independent movement, combining arms and kicking, building endurance
- Week 4: Swimming longer distances and preparing for evaluation
Progress may vary by swimmer—coaches will adjust based on individual comfort and ability.
🎯 Making the Team (Promotion Criteria)
Otter Pups can transition to the main team by passing a coach evaluation.
The evaluation includes:
- Swimming one length of the pool unassisted with coach supervision
- A brief water safety skills assessment
Goal: Help each swimmer safely build the skills needed to confidently join the team.
Once approved:
- Swimmers become official members of the Otters swim team
- May begin attending the 6 & Under practice group
- Become eligible to participate in swim meets
🏆 Recognition & Promotion
- Swimmers are recognized and celebrated 🎉
- Families may receive a promotion announcement and/or certificate
We want this to be a fun and encouraging milestone for every swimmer.
💬 Additional Support & FAQs
Extra Practice Opportunities: Based on skill level, coaches may invite swimmers to attend additional practices.
Private Lessons: Coaches offer private lessons for an additional fee. Scheduling, availability, and pricing are managed directly by each coach.
Is Otter Pups competitive?
No—this is a development-focused program designed to prepare swimmers for future team participation.
❓ What If My Child Does Not Make the Team?
If your swimmer does not pass the evaluation this session, they can still continue to develop their skills through the following options:
Next Steps for Development:
- Private Lessons: Connect with a coach to inquire about private lessons to focus on the specific skills needed to pass the evaluation next season.
- Future Seasons: We encourage swimmers to return next year as an Otter Pup to continue building their water confidence and technique.
The Otter Pups program is designed to be a positive introduction to the sport, and we look forward to helping every child grow into a confident swimmer and future member of the Otters team.
🐾 Pup Squad (Optional Pathway)
For swimmers not yet ready for full team participation, we are exploring a “Pup Squad” option.
- Attend and cheer at meets
- Stay connected with teammates
- Build confidence and excitement
Our goal is to keep every swimmer engaged and feeling like part of the Otter family from start to finish ❤️
