Innisfail's swim team is looking for old and new members ready to dive in for the summer season.
The Innisfail Dolphin Swim Club is now open for registrations for this year's swim season, running from May until late August. This year they are adding a two-day a week program to the roster.
"This year we are having two programs," said Tammy Thompson, club secretary. The other program is the usual five days a week.
Usually the club has between 50 and 60 swimmers each summer and is always looking for more. The requirement for kids to join is that they're able to swim a length of the pool unassisted.
"It can basically be any age," she said.
This year the club is switching regions, meaning the club will be going to swim meets in several different towns they haven't attended before.
"It's going to be exciting," Thompson said, adding that many families chose to camp in the communities over the weekend to attend the meet.
The five day a week program runs from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The two day program runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thompson said registration for the two day a week program is $200 while the five day a week program is $250. There is an additional fee of $10 for team pictures, but otherwise the main fee encompasses the cost of the swimsuit, coaching, pool fees, meet fees, insurance and more.
"It's a great deal," Thompson said.
The team, which has been swimming in Innisfail since 1949, has enjoyed a number of successes over the years.
"The team has done very well," Thompson said. She said there are many talented swimmers on the team who often bring home medals from meets. Several team members usually participate at the provincial level.
The team boasts three coaches and usually a couple of volunteers from the older swimmers on the team who help with the younger swimmers.
Thompson said swimming is a good sport for a few reasons, including that several family members can participate in at the same time and in the same place.
"Truly a family sport," Thompson said.
Swimming is an exercise that can benefit people for years to come.
"Swimming is a lifelong skill," Thompson said. "It's an ageless sport."
For more information or to register for the Innisfail Dolphin Swim Club, email [email protected] or check out their website, www.innisfaildolphins.com.
