Swim Programs

BEAR Swimming Programs:
(descriptions below)

Swim For Your Life

BEAR Swimming is offering full and partial scholarships at our Contra Costa College location.  This is an unique opportunity for children ages 6-15 to gain experience in swimming, improve their grades and establish a healthy lifestyle.  A full scholarship covers registration fees, monthly dues, swim meet fees and travel/lodging expenses.  For scholarship recipients, BEAR Swimming also provides swim suits, goggles, all swimming equipment and team clothing.  A Swim For Your Life Scholarship Athlete can participate in any BEAR Program free of charge.

The abiliy to swim is not required--only a desire to go to college and to swim for your well being.  Scholarship are limited.

Requirements:

  • Proof of family income limitations and parental permission
  • Dedication and commitment to improve in both swimming and school, as shown by:
    • quarterly school report cards
    • participation in three study halls per week
    • attendance at four swimming practices per week

Enrollment:

  • To request an application:
  • Apply in person at Contra Costa College Pool but first request a meeting by callling number above.

 

Pre-Competitive Swim School  (April - August Only)
(ages 4-10)

The BEAR Pre-Competitive Swim School (Pre-Comp) offers 3 on 1 Swim Lessons and a Pre Cub Group.  Swim Lessons have up to three students with an instructor in the water.  The Pre Cub Group have up to eight swimmers with the instructor out of the water.  The Pre Cub Group is for kids that are able to be in the water without instructors and interested in learning all four competitve swim strokes.  The Pre Cub Group does not compete.

For more information, email: bearswim@comcast.net or call 510.326.5544

 

Age-Group Competitive Swim Team

The BEAR Swimming Age Group Swim Team has been in existence for twenty-five years.  The swim team is broken down into six training groups:  Cub, Blue, Gold, Junior Team, Senior Group and Senior Team.  The following is a list of training group requirements.  There are many factors considered with group move-ups, and the following requirements are merely guidelines.  All final decisions are made by the Coaching Staff.

Cubs
(ages 10&Under)

This is our youngest group of swimmers.  The basics of all four competitive strokes are taught through a series of progressive stroke drills.  The goal of the Cub Group is to work on stroke technique: balance, and proper head and body positions are stressed, with the teaching of correct are and leg movements to follow.  This group takes a very casual approach towards swimming.  Fun and learning are the main emphasis, however, competitive concepts are introduced.  Suggested attendance is a minimum of two days per week.

Requirements:

  • Safely complete 25 yards.

Blue
(ages 7-11)

The Blue Group is for those swimmers who would like to improve their technique along with seom gradual conditioning.  Practices focus on correct stroke technique drills, conditioning exericises and team development.  Swimmers are introduced to race strategy and goal planning and are encouraged to participate as a team member in one swim meet per month.  Suggested attendence is at least three days per week.

Requirements:

  • Basic competency in all four competitive strokes
  • Completion of 200 consecutive yards using one stroke. 

Gold
(ages 8-14)

The Gold Group swimmers already possess solid stroke technique in all four competitive stroke.  They practice more advanced skills with more intensive and challening practices.  Proper technique, goal planning, and consistent practices are stressed.  Swimmers are encouraged to participate as a team member in one swim meet per month.Generally, this group is comprised of junior high school age swimmers.  Suggested attendance is at least three days per week. 

Requirements:

  • Competent in all four competitive strokes
  • 100 of each of the four strokes
  • 20 x 50 @ 1:30

Junior Team
(ages 9-13)

The swimmers on the Junior Team are chosen for their attitude and work ethic.  They will be the future leaders of BEAR Swimming. This is a team venture, we train as a team and we compete as a team.  A supportive and positive attitude, good work ethic, goal planning and competition are all stressed.  Practices are supplemented with dryland training for flexibility and injury prevention.  Proper technique, dry land and consistent attendance at both practices and meets are essential.  Required attendance is a minimum of three days a week.

Requirements:

  • Minimum A time achieved
  • 10 x 100 @ 2:00
  • Quality 200 of all four competitive strokes
  • Must adhere to attendence requirement: practices and swim meets

Senior Group
(ages 13+)

The concept of quality not quantity is still the most important focus.  In general this group is comprised of high school aged swimmers who are not yet ready for the commitment of Senior Team.  Suggested attendance is a minimum of four to five days a week.

Requirements:

  • Competent in all four competitive strokes
  • Quality 100 of all four competitive strokes
  • Must be in high school

Senior Team
(ages 13+)

The swimmers on the Senior Team are also chosen based on their attitude and work ethic.  Senior Team swimmers take a more mature approach to their training and competition.  They become involved with the direction of their seasonal and multi-year training plans.  Training at this level requires specific physiological training therefore regular attendance is expected.  Dry land and goal planning play a significant role.  These swimmers are considered our elite training group.

Requirements:

  • Achieved Junior T&F time standard
  • 10 x 125 @ 1:40
  • 3300 yards under 45 min.
  • Must adhere to attendance requirement: 9 out of 10 practices

 

BEAR Masters Swimming
(ages 19+)

The BEAR Masters Team swims Long Course on Saturdays (8:30 - 10:30am) at Contra Costa College (CCC).  Everyone welcome: $10 drop-in per Saturday swim.  Refer to the Masters Calendar for which Saturdays. Morning practice available at the El Cerrito pool.  See home page for the weekly schedule.  Pacific or USA Masters registration is required.   If you are not already registered, there is an annual fee of $30.  Go to pacificmasters.org for registration form.

 

BEAR Diving Team (Summer Months Only)

BEAR Swimming offers diving instruction at King Swim Center, Monday - Friday from 3:45 - 4:30 pm.  Cost to non-swim team members is USA Diving annual registration fee plus $50 per month; cost to team members is $25 per month.  Call 510.326.5544 for more information.