Development Squad

The WestSwim Development Squad Program is designed for swimmers who wish to further develop their love of swimming — whether their goals are competition, fitness, or personal achievement. Our program is proudly inclusive, low-numbered, and individually focused, supporting each swimmer to progress at their own pace while building confidence, independence, and a strong sense of team culture.

The squad pathway consists of five progressive levels: Green, Blue, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level is carefully structured to develop stroke efficiency, endurance, training skills, and self-motivation. Swimmers continue to receive regular, individualised stroke feedback while learning essential squad skills such as lane etiquette, training ethics, and effective use of equipment, including hand paddles, snorkels, pull buoys, and pace clocks. Skills such as starts and turns are taught across all levels, benefiting both competitive and fitness-focused swimmers.

Coaches follow a structured rotational training framework, ensuring balanced development across all strokes. Timed swims are conducted throughout the year to monitor progress, set goals, and give swimmers the opportunity to experience racing in a supportive and development-focused environment.

Squad numbers are capped at a maximum of 8 swimmers per session, allowing coaches to maintain a strong individual focus. Swimmers participate in a guided dry-land warm-up and group stretch prior to each session.

We are proud to have recently partnered with Unley Swim Club, providing a clear and supported competitive pathway for swimmers who wish to pursue club swimming. Unley Swim Club is well known for its strength in open water swimming, while WestSwim maintains a strong focus on pool-based skill development, offering swimmers the best of both pathways.

Assessment criteria and qualification times for each squad level are available upon request by emailing
📧 swimschool@westminster.sa.edu.au

Families interested in the squad program are encouraged to book a free trial session to ensure the program is the right fit for their swimmer.