Over the years this vision has become a reality, with a succession of championship swimmers. But the Seals program strives to provide all our swimmers with the opportunity to be their best. We want to produce world class citizens as well as world class swimmers.
The Seals Swim Club is a fully-sanctioned USA Swimming program subsidized by its members. The team operates eleven months out of the year and offers two seasons of training and competition. The team prides itself on offering quality coaching, and a motivating and supportive environment in which to train.
We provide swimmers with the opportunity to enjoy the sport of swimming, take their skills to a higher level, strive for true excellence and pursue their biggest dreams. But to start, a swimmer need only be able to complete one full length of the pool (25 yards) of both freestyle and backstroke without assistance to be considered for membership. We happily welcome new swimmers and their families to join the Seals.
The Seals and the sport of swimming involve a commitment on the part of the parent as well as the swimmer. Traveling to meets, training sessions, fundraising, volunteering at meets, long hours at the pool and an honest effort are all part of being a "swim parent." This is a true team effort that involves the commitment of the kids, the parents and the coaches as a community. We have lots of opportunities for parents to volunteer with the Seals.
Our coaching philosophy is simple. We want to challenge even the most elite swimmer while providing the support, discipline and attention a young swimmer needs. Our coaches are uniquely qualified to bring this philosophy to life.
The Seals Swim Club competes as a member of USA Swimming. This affiliation provides swimmers with the opportunity to compete at regional, national and international levels. USA Swimming meets are offered throughout each season, and both the winter and summer seasons culminate with a Championship meet. Swimmers are encouraged to swim in the fastest championship meets for which they qualify. Those swimmers who achieve the necessary qualifying standards will participate at the Maine State Championship, the Speedo Sectional Championship, the U.S. Open, or the U.S. Senior National meet. The SEALS compete only in USA Swimming sanctioned meets. USA Swimming is recognized as the highest level afforded to athletes available at the amateur level.
White Group
The White group is the first level the Seals offer. Before joining the swimmer must be able to swim two (2) lengths of the pool unassisted. The focus of the White group is to introduce all four strokes, proper turns, and dives. The age range is usually ages 5-10. There are four one hour practices that are available per week. There is also a half hour mentor session available on Saturdays. Participation in meets is determined by the swimmers, coaches, and parents.
Blue Group
The Blue group is the second level the Seals offer. The swimmer must have knowledge of all four strokes and be comfortable with swimming at least 8 lengths without assistance. In addition to fine tuning all four strokes, turns, and starts, the focus of the group is to introduce swimmer to the training for the sport of swimming. The use of the pace clock and structured swim sets are introduced and used in the development of the swimmer. The age range is usually ages 11-15. There are four to five one hour and fifteen minute practices available. There is also a half hour mentor session available on Saturdays. Participation in specific meets is required, and participation in other meets is encouraged.
Gold Group II
The Gold Group II group is the third level the Seals offer. Swimmers must have working knowledge of how to use the pace clock and be comfortable in structured sets. The focus is primarily on technique and efficiency in the water. This group is used as a feeder group for younger swimmers transitioning into Gold Group I and older swimmers who are injured, play other sports, and are preparing for High School swimming. The age range is usually ages 12-16. There are six practices a week available. Four practices a week are required. Participation in specific meets is required, and participation in other meets is encouraged.
Gold Group I
The Gold Group I group is the fourth level the Seals offer. The primary focus of this group is to prepare swimmers for the demanding training regiment of the Senior group. Swimmers must be focused, determined and hardworking. Swimmers will do extensive work on technique and interval training and must be motivated to consistently improve. The age range is usually ages 12-16. There are nine practices a week available. Seven practices are required. Participation in meets is required.
Senior Group
The Senior Group is the fifth and highest level that the Seals offer. This group is for highly focused Swimmer's whose focus is to reach the highest levels of swimming they can achieve. Though time is spent on technique, the focus of the Senior group is a highly aggressive training regiment. This group is for hardworking and highly educated swimmers. There are nine swim practices and three dry land training sessions available per week. Attendance to all practices are mandatory. Participation in meets is required.
For more information, please contact us. We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.