The Westlock Gators swim club is preparing for the start of its competitive season with trials week starting May 4.
The Gators offer competitions and coaching from age four and up, across all strokes, relays, medleys and distances
“It’s good because it’s an individual sport, but they are also part of a team,” said Kendra Seatter, president of the Westlock Gators. “So you kind of get the best of both worlds. They compete as individuals, but they still get together as a team and have team support and team interaction.”
Optional practice takes place at the Westlock Aquatic Centre six days a week and coaching is available for those who want to get started in the sport, right up to swimmers who have their eyes on gold.
“The kids kind of, in a way, decide their own level of competition,” Seatter said. “Some of them are in it more for recreation than for competition and some are very serious.”
The club is involved in competitive swim meets across the region on most weekends between late May and August and the Gators host their home event June 6.
“It’s all optional, the kids don’t have to go to every meet, it’s whatever they decide,” Seatter said. “There are a few swimmer who do swim every meet through the season, but there’s lots who kind of pick and choose.”
If you’re good enough, the season concludes with a shot at the provincials.
Swimming during trials week is free while the cost for the season is $320, with discounts available for large families.
Last season the club had about 25 swimmers and Seatter is hoping to better that this year.
“We’d like to see our club growing, she said. “We are hoping we have more swimmers this year than we did last year and we want our kids to enjoy the season and reach their goals.”
