Berkeley Aquatics

The Swim America program—used at Berkeley as part of its after-school, summer, and P.E. curriculum—is a learn-to-swim program featuring group lessons for children, with a ten-station teaching program that allows each child to progress at his or her own pace. Developed by the American Swim Coaches Association, Swim America is a state-of-the art program for swimming skills and is goal-driven and technique-oriented. Swim America has a well-defined set of goals for each level, and children gain clear knowledge of what is expected by the instructors at each station. The lesson goals provide students a safe and nurturing environment, while helping them develop the skills needed to become safe, efficient, and technically sound in the aquatic environment. The 10 Swim America station levels provide instruction and challenges for all ages and development levels. Swim America is the premier learn-to-swim program in the world.

Established in 1997, the Berkeley Barracudas is a swim club that is open to both Berkeley and non-Berkeley students. It provides a fun and dynamic aquatics program that instills in children a strong work ethic, the importance of teamwork, and an exciting focus upon achieving individual and team goals. The Barracudas have been a starting point for many kids who have then gone on to swim at the highest levels of competition. Our coaches believe that a positive, highly supportive learning environment fosters success and enjoyment.

Swimmers train year-round with peers of similar proficiency at one of five levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Age Group Elite, and Senior). Each level has independent practice times and schedules. The club is part of Florida Swimming, Inc., which is a division of United States Swimming. Florida Swimming is one of 95 local swim committees that implements USA rules at the local level. Florida Swimming develops a calendar of swim meets each year, and swimmers on the Berkeley Barracudas compete at meets selected by the coaching staff. The pool facilities feature locker rooms, showers, a timing system, and more. To learn more, visit the website for the Berkeley Barracudas.