Weyburn Synchro Stars is offering a new way to get kids involved in synchronized swimming through a new format that incorporates a variety of standards to prepare kids for the competitive level.

“Synchro Canada is in the process of releasing a new program called Aqua-Go, and they weren’t able to get it rolled out to all of the Synchro communities in Canada in time for the beginning of the season, so we adopted our own program, and actually we’re pretty proud of it, it’s working really well,” explained Lead Coach Tracey Rothwell.

To prepare young swimmers for the competitive level of synchronized swimming, the new program being offered in Weyburn incorporates the Red Cross swimming lessons basics, as well as fitness training to meet the age-appropriate requirements for long-term athlete development (LTAD).

“So we just finished our first session,” said Rothwell. “The kids are placed according to age and skill.”

Over five weeks, those enrolled complete about ten classes.

“The idea of the recreational program is if they complete all ten levels, they’ll be prepared to enter our competitive group,” she said.

Currently, the competitive club starts at the ages of nine and 10.

“One thing that we’re very proud of is the recreational club is actually coached by our athletes as well,” she explained. “So they are knowledgeable synchro athletes that are our seniors, and they volunteer their time and coach the kids in the water.”

She said it benefits the senior athletes to gain coaching and mentoring experience.

“The kids also get to mentor within the club and within the community too,” she added.

Rothwell said the next session is beginning on Thursday, November 8th, with a registration and assessment night. She said it starts at 4:30, but they like families to arrive about 15 minutes early so they can start on time.

“They need a one-piece bathing suit, or two-piece is fine at this age,” she said.

She said they just need to be comfortable in the water.

“Putting their face in the water is about the minimum, five years of age is where we want them to be, not under, unless they’re absolute fish in the water,” she explained.

Training in synchronized swimming can take place on dry land in addition to the water. Synchronized swimming is choreographed routines that incorporate a number of figures.

Check out the video below for some action from Thursday's competitive practice meet: