Our Program
Westwood Swim Program Overview
We offer two programs each summer to ensure we can help each child grow into confident swimmers. The Whirligigs is a developmental program for the swimmer who can swim at a high level of swim lessons but is not yet ready for swim team, and the Whirlwinds swim team competes in the Dominion Country Club League (DCCL) over the summer.
Whirlwinds Developmental Swim Team (Spin Starters and Whirlies)
The Westwood Swim Developmental Program is for the swimmer who can swim at a high level of swim lessons but is not yet ready for the swim team. We offer two levels:
- Spin Starters for children (3 years+ and fully potty trained) who have done some lessons but are still learning freestyle and backstroke
- Whirlies for children who can swim free or back across 5-15 meters independently but aren't ready for a full 25. We'll get them there!
- See below for more details.
The program runs from June 2-June 12, Monday-Thursday at 5-5:30pm; June 16-June 19, Monday-Thursday at 11-11:30 AM.
Whirlwinds Competitive Swim Team
To qualify for the Whirlwinds swim team, a swimmer must meet the age requirements set by our league, Dominion Country Club League (DCCL). Swimmers must be able to swim 25 meters without assistance in the form of freestyle or backstroke, tread water for a minute, and, most importantly, be ready and able to be involved in a group setting and learn in a group setting. Coach Blair will notify you if your swimmer is not ready for the competitive team.
Competitive Team Practice Schedule
Before school ends: (Monday through Friday, May 27 to June 13)
- 3:45 - 4:45pm: 13 and overs (with advanced 11-12 year olds)
- 4:45 - 5:30pm: 8 and under swimmers (with developmental/new 9-10 year olds)
- 5:30 - 6:30pm: 9-12 year olds
After school ends (starting June 16th):
Monday-Thursday:
- 9:00 - 10:10am: 13 and overs (with advanced 11-12 year olds)
- 10:10 - 11:00am: 8 and under (with developmental/new 9-10 year olds)
- 11:00am - 12:00pm: 9-12 year olds
Friday FUNDAY each week:
- 9:30 - 10:30am: 11 and older
- 10:30 - 11:30am: 10 and under
- 11:30 - 12:30pm: Team activity (ALL)
Afternoon practice (for anyone not able to make morning practice):
Tuesday - Thursday 5:00pm - 6:00pm (all ages)
Practice Attendance Expectations
While practices are not required, we hope that your swimmer can attend as many practices as possible each week so they get the most out of the program.
Westwood Swim Programs
| Spin Starters | Whirlies | Whirlwinds | |
| Level | Swim Team: Developmental Level 1 | Swim Team: Developmental Level 2 | Swim Team: Competitive |
| Can already do: | Starting to learn free/back. Can kick both strokes in a catch position Is fully potty trained without accidents | Free and back understanding and a fundamental ability to perform them. Can do both without help for 5-15 meters. Is progressing in learning how to complete a 25 Can float on their back without sinking Can kick on their back in catch position | Can swim a 25 without assistance in the form of freestyle or backstroke Safe in the water (treads water) and can stay above water on their own Is ready and able to be involved in a group setting and learn in a group setting |
| Will Learn | Swim free & back continuously and attempt to swim a full length on their own Side breathing in freestyle Intro to breaststroke kick and chest press (or the dolphin motion) Streamline position and push-offs. | Progress to swimming free & back 25’s. Side breathing in freestyle Breaststroke and butterfly fundamentals Basic dive from kneeling to standing | All four strokes (legally) Racing strategies Track and relay starts/takeoffs |
| Participation | 4 days/week for 1-week sessions + Lollipop meet | 4 days/week for 1-week sessions + Lollipop meet | Daily Practice & Dual meets |
| M-Th: 11-11:30am | M-Th: 11-11:30am | Schedule above |
