Albatross Swim Club
Albatross Swim Club Information Sessions
Want to learn more about the upcoming season? Join us for an information session to hear about the program, registration process and what to expect. Sessions will be held Aug. 21 and Aug. 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Thompson Community Center.
Can’t make it? Fill out the interest form to receive follow-up details. Spots are limited.
The Columbus Albatross Swim Club is an official USA Swim Club, which means it is a competitive youth swim club that meets all of the requirements set forth by USA Swimming. As such, all statistics and meet times are carefully recorded and allow participants to participate in other sanctioned swim events. Moreover, USA Swimming ensures all coaches and programs meet the highest standards and qualifications.
If you have any questions, please email aquaticcenter@columbus.gov.
The mission of the Albatross Swim Club is to create a more equitable and diverse opportunity for everyone.
Are there tryouts to join?
There are no tryouts for the Swim Club, as this is strictly first-come, first-served. Priority registration will be given to participants in the previous summer swim league and will take place 48 hours prior to the official registration date.
Participants must be able to safely attend practice with some level of endurance before joining the swim team as coaches will not be able to assist with stroke refinement from in the water. We recommend that participants can swim at least 300 yards within the span of practice comfortably before joining (500 yards for High School).
Your child should have progressed through all six levels of Learn to Swim Lessons or participated in organized swimming prior to joining. Swim lessons and summer swim teams are a great place to start!
When will practices be held?
Practice will begin early September. Attending practice is not mandatory. Families can determine what times work best for their schedule, though entry into meets may have a minimum requirement of practices attended to, to be able to be admitted into the Swim Team.
For the initial season, families can expect between six-eight swim meets, approximately one per month, with all of the regular-season swim meets occurring locally at this time. Parents may be asked to volunteer at one home swim meet this season. Any swimmer who advances may be invited to participate in regional, state or national level events.
10 and Under
- Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, 5-6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, 5-6:30 p.m.
11-14 Year Old
- Sunday, 2:30-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, 5-7 p.m.
15-18 Year Old
- Sunday, 2:30-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, 5-7 p.m.
What is the cost to join?
The pricing of the program is based on household income, families will self report income securely via their account in Active Net. There will be no public access to the price a family qualifies for, coaches, fellow swimmers and USA swimming will not have access to income statistics.
The price of participation is based on a monthly fee over 6 months. The season will run approximately September through March, the month of September will not have any fees as families will be required to join USA Swimming as members which is $84 per child per year. USA Swimming has separate guidelines on fee forgiveness for families who are in need. Pricing is as follows:
A family with an annual income of $32,940-$43,920 will pay $50/Month
A family with an annual income of $43,920-$62,080 will pay $100/Month
A family with an annual income of $62,080+ will pay $150/Month
How do I register?
We will be hosting two informational sessions on August 21 and August 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Thompson Community Center. These sessions will cover program details, registration and what to expect for the upcoming season.
To begin the process, parents must fill out the interest form. After submitting the form, a staff member will contact you to complete your child’s registration. Participants in the CRPD Summer Swim League and Stroke Clinic (Youth Lap Swim) will receive priority registration. Public registration is strictly first come first served.
Families will be asked a series of questions during registration including income. No payment will be collected at the time of registration—rates will be confirmed and billing arranged during the follow-up.
For more information on Para and Adaptive swimmers, please reach out to Rae Nutter at ranutter@columbus.gov.