About the team

The Community Park Bluefish swimming team is a recreational summer swim team. Generally kids are between ages 5-18. However, younger ages can be part of the swim team as long as the kids can swim one lap (25 yards) without stopping. Our team varies in all level of swimming abilities: beginners, intermediate and advanced. We practice five days per week (M-F). We practice even if it's raining, only delaying/cancelling practice due to thunder and/or lightning.

Practices start about one to two weeks before Princeton High School graduation, with evening practices 4:00-5:00PM and 5:00-6:00PM. After graduation we switch to morning practices 8:00-9:00AM and 9:00-10:00AM.

Please check our calendar for detailed practice times!

Practices are designed to work on stroke development, endurance, speed and teamwork. We teach kids to swim the butterfly, back, breast and free style strokes correctly. Coaches heavily emphasize on building correct technique for each swim stroke. Racing starts, flip turns and relay starts are introduced. Swim meets are held in the month of July on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please check the calendar frequently for meet locations, dates and times.

FAQ

Swim and Dive Teams

Important note for all Bluefish participants: It is mandatory to register and pay before participating in the Bluefish Competitive Swim and Dive program. After trying out the program and being evaluated by the coaching staff, a full refund will be given if the child is unable to safely participate.

What age does a child need to be to participate?

Children must be at least 5 years old to join the team. Younger ages can be part of the swim team as long as the kids can swim one lap (25 yards) without stopping.

What swimming ability does a child need to have to participate?

To join the team, children should be able to complete the general baseline requirements:

• Ages 6 & Under: Complete 25 yards of freestyle without touching the side or bottom of the pool.

• Ages 7 – 10: Complete 25 yards of continuous freestyle and backstroke swimming.

• Ages 12 & Older: Complete 50 yds of continuous freestyle and have general knowledge of other strokes.

When does the team practice?

Our practice schedule is dependent on the Princeton School calendar. Detailed information can be found under the “Calendar” link. Generally, we follow these guidelines:

• Afternoon practices start in early June through the end of the Princeton School District calendar year. These practices are from 4:00-6:00PM

• Due to the Princeton High School graduation, the 15 and over group may not have practice on the final day of the school year.

• Once the school year ends, morning practices begin. These practice run from 8:00-10:00AM

• Morning practices continue until PASDA championships

What is a typical practice like?

Practices vary for each group, but the major emphasis is on technique, stamina, and fun.

How many swim meets are there and where are they held?

There are 5 dual meets and 2 open meets during the season, typically held on Tuesdays or Thursdays. There are home meets at Community Park Pool as well as meets at other pools in the area. Swim meets begin at the end of June and run through late July. In addition, there is a mini-meet for all kids under the age of 10. The PASDA Championships will be held at the end of July. Meet participation is strongly encouraged.

How many coaches are there?

The Bluefish swim team has two Head Coaches and 10 Assistant Coaches. Coaches are assigned to each age group and work consistently with those ages for the season. The Dive Team has two coaches with multiple assistant coaches.

Can my child participate on both swim and dive teams?

Yes. Usually, kids that swim AND dive for the Bluefish will practice one hour with the swim team and one hour with the dive team each day. Meets do not conflict. There is a separate fee for each program.

What about team swimsuits, shirts and caps?

T-shirts and swim caps will be provided at no additional cost. Families must purchase the team suit annually from our swim shop vendor.

Do we have to be involved as parents?

Parent involvement is vital for meets to operate successfully. Volunteers are needed in many capacities to make the program run smoothly.