Swim and Train to Compete
Swimming at a competitive level, no matter the age, is a fun, low-impact way to exercise with peers. Swimmers new to the competitive environment of the sport typically begin in the Y Swim League. As youth and teen swimmers perfect their techniques, they may progress to a more challenging level. Learn more about swim team progression at the Tampa YMCA.
The Y Swim League is a beginner swim team program that builds upon the skills participants learn in swim lessons. Y Swim League team members learn the basic techniques of all four strokes. In addition to developing proper form and technique, swim teams will work on endurance and conditioning during Y Swim League seasons.
Y Swim League Overview
- Ages: 5-17 (kindergarten - high school)
- Commitment: practice 2-3 days per week for 50 minutes; times and days vary by location
- Required skills to join the team (tryouts required):
- swim one length of the pool
- 25 yards of freestyle stroke with side breathing
- 25 yards of backstroke
- Skills to perfect and learn:
- Refine freestyle and backstroke
- Learn breaststroke and butterfly
- Cost: Tampa Y membership required; $70 per month plus a one-time $20 registration fee
- Y Swim League members get a team swim cap and shirt.
- Additional info: Monthly intersquad meets.
Register for Swim Team tryouts below!
The competitive swim team, or Tampa YMCA Stingrays, for kids and teens focuses on swimming fundamentals, progression and athletic development. Competitive swim team athletes will learn and build on foundational skills and techniques in a fun and supportive environment. Athletes are grouped by age and ability.
Tampa YMCA Stingrays Team Overview
- Ages: 6-18
- Commitment: practice 3-6 days per week (depending on level), attend YMCA and USA Swimming meets
- Skills needed: legally swim all four strokes: Fly, Back, Breast, and Free
- Skills to learn: refine technique and build confidence with all four strokes. Competitive starts, turns and swim meet etiquette
- Dry land practice: all competitive team athletes participate in strength, mobility, body awareness and mental training sessions daily
- Cost: Tampa YMCA membership required; starting at $85 per month, depending on level, plus annual team registration fee of $50, USA Swimming membership required.
Email Us for more info or register for tryouts below.
The Masters Swim Team at the Tampa Y is for adults ages 18 and up. Triathletes, competitive swimmers, open water swimmers, and recreational swimmers enjoy the camaraderie of a Swim team.
Masters Swim Team Overview
Masters Swim coaches lead workouts and help swim team members improve technique and endurance. Most team members enjoy competition and coaches help swimmers train at an advanced level. United States Masters Swimming holds local and regional swim meets; team members can register to compete with TYMS.
- Ages: 18+
- Practice Commitment: 2-3 times per week; times vary by location
- Skills needed: prior swimming experience and the ability to swim 25 yards of freestyle with rotary breathing
- Cost: Y membership required; $35 per month
- Additional Information: USMS registration is recommended and participation in USMS and Y Masters meets are recommended
The Masters Team program is run at 4 of our YMCAs: Bob Sierra YMCA (Carrollwood), South Tampa Family YMCA, Central City YMCA and our Campo YMCA (Valrico).
Swim Team Tryouts
Youth athletes interested in our swim teams are invited to put their skills to the test in our free swim team tryout! Swimmers ages 5-17 will be asked to swim 25-yard freestyle with side breathing and a 25-yard backstroke. If you need additional instruction before the tryout, check out our swim lessons.
Select your center below.
Join the Competitive Swim Team - Tampa Y Stingrays
Email stingrays@tampaymca.org with any questions and visit the TYS website for more information.
Financial Assistance
The Tampa YMCA is community-based and believes its programs and services should be available to everyone. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we offer financial assistance, on a sliding scale, to those in need through our Open Doors program. For more information, click below.