Children who are at least 5 years old by September 1st, and who have received previous swimming instruction but cannot yet swim the 25-meter length of the pool independently and consistently, are eligible to be on the Pre-Team. The Pre-Team is not designed to replace swimming lessons. Rather, it is a stepping stone between swimming lessons and age-group swimming on the Swim Team.  For those children who are not quite ready to join the Pre-Team, lessons will be available through the Tanterra Swim Team coaches, as well as the lifeguards.

The goal of this program is two-fold; 1) to encourage a love of swimming at an early age and 2) to prepare swimmers for participation in age group swimming once they have acquired the necessary skills. Pre-Team practices begin after the school year ends from 10:15-11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. Once a Pre-Teamer successfully swims a lap, he or she may be invited to practice with the “8 and under” age group or even participate in a B-meet.

The Pre-Team season ends with a mini-meet at our pool on July 20th at 6:30pm.  This is just for Tanterra and is set up exactly like an actual meet so that Pre-Teamers can experience what it is like to swim in a meet. Paper Plate Awards are given out after the meet.


Pre-Team Coaches

Pre-Team coaches are experienced Swim Team members, ages 13-18, who work with the children in small groups in the shallow end of the pool.  Our coaches are responsible young adults who are dedicated to improving the swimming skills of the younger members of our pool community.


Pre-Team Parents

If you are not sure if your child should be on Pre-Team, please bring them to be evaluated at practice on either May 27, 28 or 29 at 4:00pm.

Our coaches will break down the groups at practice according to the different skill levels, so it’s best to have them evaluated early in the season.   The coaches continue to evaluate the children as the season goes on, and many will become a part of the “8 and under” age group by the end of the season.

Parents are asked to drop off their child for practice at least five minutes prior to the start of practice and pick them up promptly at the close of practice.  We ask that parents do not stand on or near the deck while practice is in progress as this often slows the learning process for the young swimmers.

All Pre-Team swimmers and their families are invited to attend the weekly Pep Rallies on Fridays after practice and all the social events, including the End-of-Year Banquet