What is Southwest Swim Club

Southwest Swim Club (SSC) is a non-profit, competitive swimming organization for area swimmers of all ages. SSC was established in 1969 by Con and Marcy Eckstrom under the name of Marshall Meters Swim Club and has been growing ever since. SSC has membership with USA Swimming and is governed by Minnesota Swimming Inc. (MSI).

 

Swimming is an individual sport where EVERYONE participates. The focus of SSC is to have fun, to promote water safety, and to develop and improve the ability and technique of the 4 basic strokes of competitive swimming (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). While not mandatory, participation in competitive swim meets is encouraged for swimmers to set goals and realize their improvement. SSC is not a learn-to-swim program.

 

SSC is a parent-run, volunteer organization. SSC is managed by its Board of Directors. Monthly board meetings are open and all parents are encouraged to attend.  This is the best place to address any concerns and offer any input to improving the club.

Southwest Swim Club

SSC operates over 2 separate seasons per year. The Short-course season runs from mid-September to early March. Short-course meets are held at indoor 25-yard pools. The Long-course season runs from mid-April to early August. Long-course meets are swum in 50-meter pools, typically outdoors.

 

Club Seasons

SSC practices are held in Marshall, MN at the Southwest Minnesota State pool. Pool time is available Monday through Thursday between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. Times for each swim group are allocated within these hours. Coaches will create monthly schedules with practice times and listing of meets the club will be attending. All swimmers and parents are responsible for knowing practice schedules.

 

Swimmers are divided by age and ability into groups that they will practice with. The coaching staff is responsible for placement of each swimmer to a group.

 

Minnows                       45 min. per day

Dolphins                       1 1/4 hr. per day

Sharks/Seniors          1 3/4 hr. per day

 

Participation and attendance at practice and meets is NOT mandatory. Your club fees entitle you to all offered practices for your group and you are free to attend what best fits your schedule.

 

When do we practice

All coaches of SSC must be USS certified, and ASCA Level 1 is also required. This means they hold current certification in First Aid, CPR, and safety training for swim coaches. We strive to have the most highly qualified and competent coaches available. Coaches are available to discuss questions and concerns before and after practice.

Coaching

The costs of operating the club come from pool rental, coach’s salaries, equipment, advertising, supplies, etc.

 

Each Short – Course Session we host a two day swim meet called ‘Beat the Blizzard’ which draws 100-200 swimmers from 3 area states. The revenues from this meet help keep swim fees reasonable. This is our ONLY fundraiser of the year.

 

The remainder of our operating expenses is covered by club fees.

 

Short-course ( ½  due Sept - ½ due December)

             Minnows/Guppies      $200

             Dolphins                       $250

             Sharks/Seniors          $300

 

Long-course (pay by the month)

             Minnows/Guppies      $40/mo

             Dolphins                       $50/mo

             Sharks/Seniors          $60/mo

 

How Much Does It Cost?

Southwest Swim Club members are required to have membership in USA Swimming, our governing body. This membership is not covered by club dues and costs $52 annually or $32 seasonally. This cost is in addition to the short course and/or long course fees.  This membership includes insurance for swimmers plus automated tracking of all meet swim times, and a 1 year subscription of Splash magazine.

 

USA Registration

SSC typically will attend 1-2 swim meets per month. Attendance for a swimmer at meets is optional. Meets are held on weekends throughout Minnesota and South Dakota. Swimmers are placed into age groups (Under 8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, and over 17) where they will compete against swimmers of other clubs. Each swimmer can typically swim up to 8 events per meet. Medals and ribbons are given out by age group and ability. Entry fees are required for each meet and are charged based off the number of events a swimmer is entered. Admission to watch meets is typically free of charge.

Swim Meets