By Natalie Caballero
The First Coast YMCA is gearing up for a busy fall in the pool, with a full slate of aquatics programming that includes swim lessons for all ages, stroke-development clinics and a competitive swim team at the Brown Family YMCA.
Leading the fall lineup is the start of the First Coast Y FLYERS Competitive Team season, with practices beginning Aug. 17. The team is open to swimmers who already know all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly) and are ready to take their swimming to the next level under the direction of Head Coach George Oancea. Families interested in joining the team can schedule a tryout by contacting Coach Oancea directly at goancea@fcymca.org.
For younger or less experienced swimmers who aren’t quite ready for full competition, the FCYMCA also offers FLYERS in Training, a precompetitive team designed to build skills and confidence before eventually joining the competitive roster. That program begins on Sept. 1.
Adults are also included in the fall programming. Launching Sept. 1 is the FLYERS Masters Swim/Triathlon Training Group, a new offering held at both the Brown Family YMCA and the Barco-Newton Family YMCA. The group is designed for adult swimmers looking to improve their fitness, train for triathlons or simply get back in the water with structured coaching and a training plan.
Before any of the team programs kick off, the FCYMCA is offering a series of swim clinics focused on stroke development on Aug. 4, 6, 11 and 12. The clinics give swimmers a chance to refine their technique and are a natural stepping stone for those eyeing a spot on the FLYERS roster this fall.
These competitive offerings build on the FCYMCA’s existing aquatics programs, which remain in full swing year-round. Swim lessons continue to be offered for every stage, from parent-child classes for the littlest swimmers to preschool and school-age lessons, as well as private lessons for those who want one-on-one instruction. Adults looking to stay active in the water without joining a team can also take advantage of water fitness classes, offered every weekday morning at 9 a.m. at the Brown Family YMCA.
“We wanted to make sure there’s a space in the water for everyone, whether that’s a four-year-old taking their first swim lesson or an adult training for a triathlon,” said Cara Roach, Executive Director of the Brown Family YMCA. “Our swimming programs provide a clear pathway for swimmers to grow—from learning the fundamentals to competing at a high level. At the FCYMCA, we’re committed to developing not only stronger athletes but also confident, disciplined young people who learn the value of teamwork, perseverance and goal setting.”
The addition of the Masters Swim Team marks a significant investment in adult athletics for the Brown Family YMCA, giving local swimmers a home team to train and compete with.
Anyone with questions about swim lessons, clinics or the new competitive and precompetitive teams is encouraged to reach out to Kylie Frech, Aquatics Director, at kfrech@fcymca.org.
Families interested specifically in a FLYERS tryout can contact Head Coach George Oancea at goancea@fcymca.org.
