New Swimmer Assessments
| All new swimmers to the Otters, as well as all aged 6 & Under swimmers, are required to come to an assessment. At this time, our head coach will have a chance to meet your swimmer(s), watch them in the water, and make a decision as to whether or not your child will be able to swim on the team or if they would be better suited for our Otter Pup program. 2026 Assessments will take place on May 26. Please see below for detailed descriptions of our Otter and Otter Pups programs. |
Is My Swimmer Ready to be an Otter?
Individuals wishing to swim with the Otters should be able to swim proficiently. The swimmer’s family must have a family membership or rental membership according to NVSL rules. New swimmers to the team (and all 6&unders) must be evaluated by our Head Coach to determine suitability for the team. Swimming proficiency, safety, strength, ability to cooperate, and ability to follow directions will be taken into consideration. At a minimum, it is expected that your child can swim one unassisted lap without stopping, touching the wall, lane line, or pool floor. Please note that passing the lifeguard swim test in order to use the dive well is not an indication of sufficient swimming proficiency.
2026 assessments will occur on May 26. At this time, our head coach will have a chance to meet your swimmer(s), watch them in the water, and make a decision as to whether or not your child will be able to swim on the team or if they would be better suited for our Otter Pup program.
Otter Pups
The Otter Pups program is designed for our youngest swimmers who need a bit more assistance in the water and are still developing beginning swimming skills. Under the guidance of our Otters coaching staff and volunteer swim team members, the Pups will learn to swim the full length of the pool, the basics of all four competitive strokes, and the starting dive. As the Pups improve, our coaches may encourage them to try a developmental swim meet and/or move up to the swim team during the season.
Please note that Pup participation is for current OSRC members and rental families only.
In addition, in order to join the Pups program, your swimmer must:
- Be age 4 or older by June 1, 2026.
- Be able to fully and comfortably submerge their body and face in the water, without assistance.
- Be able to comfortably float on their back and stomach, without assistance.
- Be able to kick on their back and stomach, without assistance.
- Be comfortable swimming away from the wall to a coach, without assistance.
Otter Pup Coaches information is coming soon!
Pups Practice Schedule (2026)
The Pups will practice June 22nd - July 16th
Monday - Thursday from 11:00am-11:30am