Harrisonburg Summer Swim Teams

Every summer, my kids and I head to the pool for summer swim team practice. At first, joining a swim team was a bit daunting for me because I did not grow up participating on such a team and had no idea what a butterfly or breaststroke looked like! But, being a mom of 4 at the time, I needed to know that my kids could swim well since they outnumbered me in the water. The summer my oldest turned 6, we started looking into the local swim teams.

Because my family lives about equal distance from 3 swim teams, I called around and learned about each team and chose the one I thought would be the best fit for my family. Even after a few weeks of daily practice, I was quickly amazed by how much my kids had learned and how they were overcoming their fears in the water! We had wonderful, patient coaches and the kids really enjoyed all aspects of their team. And here we are, 6 years later with a few more kids participating, gearing up for another summer of swim team! Over the years my kids have loved learning different strokes and swimming techniques alongside their friends, adored their coaches, and most importantly, learned to be much safer and better swimmers than I am!

The Valley Swim League is a non-profit organization and is comprised of six local summer swim teams.  Swimmers ages 5-18 can join and have the option of competing in local swim meets on Tuesday evenings in June and July. Registration for most teams starts in early May and practices begin at the end of May or early June, depending on the team. Also, most of these Valley Swim League teams offer practice options both in the mornings and evenings, so you can go all out and practice twice a day or choose the option that fits your family’s schedule best.

If you are considering having your child join a local swim team, below is a list of what’s available in our area.

Harrisonburg City Summer Swim Teams

Westover Waves

• Swims at: Westover Pool, Harrisonburg
• Cost: $100 first swimmer; small discount for siblings
• Website

Spotswood Dolphins

• Swims at: Spotswood Country Club, Harrisonburg
• Cost (Members): $100 per swimmer
• Cost (Non-Members): $100 per swimmer + $100 joining fee for the family
• Website

Rockingham County Summer Swim Teams

Ashby Anacondas

• Swims at: Ashby Recreaction Association, Bridgewater
• Cost (Members): $100 first swimmer; $95 second swimmer; $90 each additional swimmer
• Cost (Non-Members): $120 first swimmer; $115 second swimmer; $110 each additional swimmer
• Website

Broadway Sharks

• Swims at: Broadway Community Pool, Broadway
• Cost: $80 first swimmer; $70 second swimmer; $60 each additional swimmer
• Website

East Rockingham Barracudas

• Swims at: East Rockingham Recreation Association, Penn Laird
• Cost: $110 first swimmer; $100 second swimmer; $90 each additional swimmer
• Non-members pay a $100 assessment fee for the entire family.
• Website

Massanutten Marlins

• Swims at: Stonewall Terrace Pool, McGaheysville
• Cost: $100 first swimmer; $10 discount per swimmer for each additional sibling
• Website

Please note that the registration fees listed above are as of 2022. If you’re reading this in later years and notice an error, please contact me so I can update!

One more option for summer swimming the Virginia Gators (aka VAST).  They are a “competitive year-round USA Swimming team based in Harrisonburg, VA, offering instruction, training, and both recreational and competitive opportunities for young people from ages 5-18. Children of all abilities are welcome to join and improve their swimming skills and compete at all levels.”

What if you have a child who can’t swim across the pool unassisted?  Most of these teams have a “junior” team for children who aren’t quite ready to swim the distance of the pool. Also, many of these pools offer swim lessons or you can check out this blog for more information on swim lessons!