Aquatics

The Casco Bay YMCA Aquatic Department is dedicated to offering exciting current and new programs in a safe, clean, and fun aquatic environment for children, adults and families with well trained staff who are caring, responsible, respectful and honest.We have two pools; an 8 lane 25 yard Lap Pool and a warm water Therapy Pool, both equipped with a lift and a staff trained by the Arthritis Foundation. We also have a very active Swim Team.

Swim Team

Congratulations to the Casco Bay YMCA '8 and Under Girls'
2010 Maine YMCA State championship Team!

Minimum Requirements to Join:

  • Must be 7 years old on or by 12/1/10
  • Must be able to swim freestyle with rotary breathing as well as backstroke comfortably the length of the pool non-stop.
  • Must be an annual or draft (youth, single adult family or family) member of the Cumberland County YMCA.

Commitment Expectations Once You Have Joined:

  • Participate in all dual meets
  • Participate in the YMCA State Meet
  • Participate in team fundraisers
  • Parents be an active volunteer to help run meets and team activities

(Coach’s discretion may be used in certain circumstances, such as, a high school meet on the same day as a YMCA meet.)

Practice Times

  • All new 10 year old and under swimmers are able to practice Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 4:00 - 5:00 pm.
  • All new 11 year old and older swimmers are able to practice Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 5:00 - 6:00 pm as well as Tuesday and Thursday 4:00 - 5:30 pm.
  • All returning swimmers will be notified of the practice times in which to swim.
  • A minimum of 2-3 practices per week is suggested.

(Swimmers may be asked to switch practice groups depending on ability, work ethic, as well as practice numbers.)

YMCA Meets

There are 11 meets on our tentative YMCA meet schedule. The following five are required:

  • 11/13/10 at Home
  • 11/20/10 at Sanford
  • 12/4/10 at Belfast
  • 1/8/11 at Home
  • 3/5/11 State meet in Orono for all girls '10 and under' and all boys '12 and under'
  • 3/6/11 State meet in Orono for all Girls '11 and older' and all boys '13 and older'

Most regular meets start around noon time. More information about the state meet will be available after the coach’s meetings in January.

Please see the team bulletin board or click here for the rest of the schedule.

The season ends when the swimmer swims in their last eligible meet. For most that will be the State Championship meet.

USA Swimming

For those wishing to participate in a few more meets, we also compete in the Maine Swimming/ USA Swimming League. Teh fee to join this program is $130.  This covers the YMCA winter fee and the annual USAS registration fee.  There are also fees to swim at each meet depending on the meet.

Here is a list of USAS meets we may be attending:

  • December 10-12, 2010:  Bowdoin Open
  • January 15-16, 2011:  Westbrook
  • March 10-13, 2011:  Maine Championships at Bowdoin College

Parent Education

  • For a schedule of practice dates (including holiday schedule) please look at our handbook.
  • One parent from each family must attend one of three Stripers orientation meetings, even if you are a returning swimmer.  Meetings will take place:
    • Tuesday, October 19 at 6:00 pm
    • Wednesday, October 20 at 4:30 pm
    • Wednesday, October 20 at 5:30 pm
  • From time to time Coach Dan will be looking for parents to take leadership roles by helping with team functions, concessions, meet management, officiating, etc.  Please let Coach Dan know if you are curious or interested.

The Aqua-Thon!

Each year the Stripers Swim Team holds an Aqua-Thon in November to support the Cumberland County YMCA Annual Support Campaign.  Last year the Casco Bay Branch gave out $207,566 in financial assistance to individuals and families to assist with membership and program fees, including swim team fees.  Through the Y's financial assistance program, we ensure that everyone in the community is able to access the programs and services provided by the Y, regardless of their ability to pay.

The way the Aqua-Thon works is that swimmers get pledges (either per-lap or or straight donations) and then swim no-stop for one entire practice.  Last year the team raised $9,083 to help the effort.  Further information will be available in early November.

Program Fees:

  • 10 and under : $325
  • 11 & older : $420
  • There is a 10% discount for each additional child in the family.

Register On-line Now!

Membership Prices Are:

  • Youth:  $20 monthly draft ($240 per year)
  • Family: $74 monthly draft ($888 per year)
  • Single Adult Family: $61 monthly draft ($732 per year)
  • There is a $60 joiners fee for a new Single Adult Family or Family membership.
  • Payment plans are available and will be scheduled for automatic deductions.

The Casco Bay YMCA mission states that “no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.” Financial assistance is available for those in need of this support. Applications are available at the front desk.

(*Financial assistance will also cover team suits)

Payment or payment arrangements are due with registration. Registration and payment can be received at the Casco Bay YMCA Front Desk or online. Membership, payment plans and financial aid must be done at the front desk.

Team Suits

Team Suits are required for meets. If you do not already have one the cost this year will be about $55 for Girls and $40 for boys. A team order will be placed in mid October. For “tech suit” team requirements please see the handbook.

Our Coach

Dan St Pierre:  Head Coach
Tom Green:  10 and Under Coach
Pattie Siders Drew:  11 and Older Coach

Come see how you can grow as a swimmer and a part of the Stripers Swim Team.

For more information, please contact Coach Dan or the Aquatics Office at 865-9600.