Junior swim team helps bridge gap between lessons and competition

The competition pool at the Fairmont Aquatics center is home to Highland’s swim team, but it’s also home to a bunch of penguins. Fairmont’s Junior Penguin swim team is made up of swimmers, from 6-14 years old. Program Manager Amber Morgan said the program is a good way for younger swimmers to get some experience competing before they move up to a competition team.

“This program is a great way for young swimmers to make the transition from swimming lessons to competing on a high school or club level swim team,” she said. “It’s a fun, non-competitive environment where the kids learn stroke development, turns and how to dive off the blocks. They also get the chance to test their skills during several swim meets throughout the year.”

More than 40 swimmers are participating in the program this year, which started in October. Morgan said the team has an open door policy, which means swimmers can start and stop when they want. Fairmont’s team is one of many in the Salt Lake County system. Most Salt Lake County facilities have similar teams, which the Junior Penguins compete against.

To be eligible for the team, swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards (1 length of pool) without stopping or needing assistance, and be able to rhythmic breath to the side. Swimmers must also be able to also swim 25 yards backstroke staying horizontal without stopping.

Swimmers who have completed levels three and four in the American Red Cross Swim lesson program are eligible to try out for the team. Morgan said although this team is noncompetitive; swimmers who aren’t at that level don’t have the proper skills to be able to compete.

“Swimmers in level four have the endurance it takes to be able to swim for long periods of time,” she said.

The Junior Penguin team also acts as a feeder program for Highland’s swim team and other club teams. Kyle Kuhn is the coach of the penguins and said this type of program helps build swimmers’ talent so they can compete at a high school level.

“Most club teams have youth programs, but the meets are very competitive and that scares away a lot of younger swimmers,” he said. “This team is a fun way to get started swimming and still learn the techniques it takes to become a great swimmer.”

The Junior Penguins will test their skills at Steiner Aquatics Center on Feb. 11 and wrap up the season at the Holladay-Lions Aquatics Center on March 10. The Salt Lake County Winter Recreation Swim league championships will be held April 14 at the Fairmont Pool.