Junior Beast (JRB):  Entry Level / Grassroots (50 Athletes Maximum)

2 Hours in the Pool

This is a group designed for entry level swimmers. The focus will be skills and drills. Ideally, every athlete must be able to swim at least two laps of the pool without stopping, in under 1:30. This group will be all about having fun, while learning new aspect of competitive swimming on a regular basis. The athletes in this group will be 12 years of age or younger and will vary drastically in ability levels. This program is geared towards kids who enjoy swimming and are looking to explore the sport of competitive swimming. There will be three separate squads spread out over six lanes at most practices. New swimmers are expected to attend one swim meet throughout the season, while returning Jr. Beast swimmers are expected to attend three meets.   

Novice: (24 Athletes Maximum) 

4 Hours in the Pool

This is a group designed for swimmers who are climbing the competitive swimming ladder and used as a stepping-stone from the Junior Beast program. This group will be taking their competitive swimming away from the grassroots level. Emphasis will be placed on technique and skills, as well as introducing aerobic sets, however, the main goal will be to enjoy each practice. It will be a mixture of ages and abilities, including mainly Jr. Beast graduates. FUNdamentals will be practiced regularly, but these swimmers will be working towards advancing to the Development level. All athletes must have their own kick board, pull buoy, fins and snorkel. These swimmers are expected to attend at least 5 meets throughout the season, including two out of town meets.

Development (DEV):  (24 Athletes Maximum) 

6 Hours in the Pool / 45 Minutes of Dry-land

This is a group designed for swimmers who are keen and willing to work towards qualifying for Regionals.  The athletes will steadily improve on all aspects of every race. Basic skills will be performed regularly to prepare for meets and group advancement. These athletes will vary in age but be roughly the same speed in the water. Coaches will ensure there is a good mix of fun and work, so all athletes can both enjoy themselves and continuously drop time. All athletes must have their own kick board, pull buoy, fins and snorkel. These swimmers are expected to attend at least 6 meets throughout the season, including a minimum of 3 out of town meets.

Advanced (ADV):  (15 Athletes Maximum)

9 Hours in the Pool / 3 Hours of Dry-Land

This is a group designed for the top younger swimmers in the club and teenagers who aren’t yet at the Senior level. Everyone must be willing to work towards achieving Regional and Festival times. It is expected that these swimmers stay focused and complete any task set by the coach. This group is the main stepping-stone into the Senior program. All skills must be performed on a consistent basis. Swimmers are encouraged to have an attendance percentage over 70% and should be attending at least one weekday morning practice, but preferably both. All athletes must have their own kick board, pull buoy, fins and paddles. Every athlete must attend at least 7 swim meets, including a minimum of 3 out of town meets.

Senior (SEN):  (15 Athletes Maximum)

11.5 Hours in the Pool / 3 Hours of Dry-land

This is a group designed for the strong swimmers in the club who are either very committed, but not yet attained Provincial/National times or the top-level athletes who are unable to commit to a complete training schedule due to other sports or commitments. To enter this level, swimmers must either be qualified at a Regional level or close to the time standard in multiple events and must be at least 13 years old. These athletes are dedicated and striving towards achieving Festival/Provincial and Jr. National standards. All athletes must have a kick board, pull buoy, fins and paddles. There is no minimum attendance requirement, however 70% or higher is recommended to see an impact at meets. All dry-land sessions will be included in the attendance percentage. All athletes are expected to display a thorough work ethic, train frequently leading up to championship meets and they should attend morning practices regularly. This group will attend a minimum of 8 swim meets all over the Province (possibly the country), throughout the season.

Performance (PER):  (10 Athletes Maximum) 

14 Hours in the Pool / 3 Hours of Dry-Land

This is a group designed for the top athletes in the club who wish to fully dedicate themselves to the sport of competitive swimming. To enter this group, the athlete must be in high school and fully vested into enhancing their performance. The main objective will be to train hard to achieve Provincial, Eastern Canadian, Junior National and Senior National times. These swimmers will be approaching Provincial times or a higher qualifying standard and be willing to do whatever it takes to get to the next level. All athletes must have a kick board, pull buoy, fins and paddles. Athletes are expected to meet a minimum of 80% attendance and must attend the majority of morning practices. All dry-land sessions will be included in the attendance percentage. This group will attend a minimum of 9 swim meets throughout the season, all over Ontario and across Canada; possibly even internationally.

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Jr. Masters - 13-18 years of age (15 Athletes Maximum):

• Tuesday from 5:45 pm- 7:00 pm
• Friday from 5:45 pm- 7:00 pm

The Jr. Masters is for athletes between the ages of 13 and 18. This program is designed to allow teenagers who are new to the sport or former competitive swimmers the opportunity to train regularly with expert coaching. There are no meet commitments, however every swimmer will be able to compete regularly if they would like. Although the premise of this group is to build/maintain fitness and become a better technical swimmer, coaches will provide exciting workouts and allow every swimmer to push themselves at their own will. Coaches will encourage swimmers, but refrain from adding too much pressure. The goal is to provide a positive atmosphere and allow ample time for teens to continue with their passion for swimming!

Masters (18+):  (20 Athletes Maximum)  

• ­Monday from 6:45-8pm
• Wednesday from 7:15-8:30pm
• Friday from 5:45-7pm (Masters Plus)

The Masters program is geared towards adults of all ages to help work on stroke technique and build aerobic stamina. Swimming is a full body workout and one of the best activities to help build your cardiovascular system and tone your muscles. Many adults take part in lane swims frequently, but the program will deliver much more in an hour than you would do on your own. By creating an uplifting group environment with professional coaching, adults will have the chance to pursue swimming at a new level. Whether you are looking to compete at masters meets, training for triathlons, looking to better your technique or just want to be part of a fun and social exercise, the BBST Masters is the perfect program for you!