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The YMCA of Greater Cleveland’s Swim Teams provide opportunities for swimmers of all abilities to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the excitement of competitive swimming. With three unique teams located across our association—Geauga Otters, French Creek Rubber Ducks, and RYD Dolphins (North Royalton)—we offer a community-driven, supportive environment where athletes can thrive.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to develop foundational skills or an experienced swimmer training for competition, YMCA Swim Teams provide the coaching, structure, and camaraderie to help you succeed.

Our Swim Teams

French Creek Rubber Ducks

Located at the French Creek Family YMCA, the Rubber Ducks Swim Team focuses on skill progression, teamwork, and fun. With three distinct age groups, swimmers can advance through levels as they gain confidence and ability:

  • Fluffs (Beginner): Introduction to competitive swimming, with a focus on basic stroke development, water safety, and confidence-building.
  • Ducklings (Intermediate): Swimmers refine stroke techniques, build endurance, and begin learning race strategies.
  • Ducks (Advanced): Advanced swimmers focus on competitive techniques, race preparation, and achieving personal bests.

Geauga Otters

At the Geauga Family YMCA, the Geauga Otters Swim Team welcomes swimmers aged 5-18, with skill level determining placement rather than age. This inclusive approach ensures every swimmer gets the opportunity to join, develop their skills, and enjoy the sport.

  • Ripple Rookies:This entry-level group introduces swimmers to the fundamentals of competitive swimming. Participants need to swim one length of freestyle and backstroke to join. Coaches teach all four strokes, starts, and turns while incorporating fun and games to keep swimmers engaged. Swimmers also learn swim meet etiquette and practice rules.
  • Hydro Heroes: Designed for elementary and middle school swimmers who are proficient in all strokes, starts, and turns. The focus is on stroke development, learning race strategies, and aerobic individual medley work. Attending three practices per week is encouraged.
  • Aqua Arrows: For swimmers who have mastered stroke fundamentals and are ready for more rigorous training. This group emphasizes aerobic capacity, advanced stroke mechanics, and race strategies. Swimmers are encouraged to attend four practices per week.
  • Liquid Legends: The senior-level group emphasizes event-specific and race-pace training while continuing to refine stroke mechanics. Training is more intensive, and swimmers are encouraged to attend at least four practices weekly.

RYD Dolphins (North Royalton)

The RYD Dolphins Swim Team, based at the North Royalton Family YMCA, offers tiered programming for swimmers looking to advance their skills and compete at local, regional, and national levels:

  • Discovery (Introductory Level): For new swimmers learning the basics of stroke mechanics, breathing, and water confidence.
  • Age Group (Intermediate Level): Focuses on stroke development, endurance building, and race techniques.
  • Pre-Senior (Advanced Level): Training for competitive swimmers who are developing speed, strength, and advanced racing skills.
  • Senior (Elite Level): For dedicated athletes preparing for high-level competition with an emphasis on performance and goal setting.

 

Why Join a YMCA Swim Team?

Our swim teams are about more than competition. Swimmers learn life skills that build character and confidence, including:

  • Teamwork: Build lasting friendships and a sense of community.
  • Skill Development: Improve swimming techniques, speed, and endurance.
  • Healthy Living: Stay active and develop lifelong fitness habits.
  • Goal Setting: Train hard, compete with confidence, and celebrate achievements.

Program Features

  • Professional coaching staff with experience in competitive swimming
  • Structured practices tailored to age and skill level
  • Opportunities to compete in local, regional, and YMCA-sanctioned meets
  • Emphasis on YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility

Find Your Team

Sign up requires approval from the coach, call your branch for more details.

Contact your local branch for schedules, team details, and tryout information.

Dive Into the YMCA Swim Team Experience!

Whether you’re starting out or striving for competition, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Swim Teams provide a place to learn, grow, and achieve. Join one of our teams today, and take your swimming to the next level!
 

Find Your Team

Sign up requires approval from the coach, call your branch for more details.

Contact your local branch for schedules, team details, and tryout information.