Young swimmers are getting ready to spend time in the pool as the Orca Swim Club season begins in September.
Joanne Malar, co-coach of the swim club, said the club has swimmers as young as five years old, but the majority are between eight and 13.
As the swimmers advance, she expects to see some strong performances.
“The next two to five years we’ll have a lot of rising stars,” she said. “The club has really grown in the last few years.”
She said swimmers are becoming more goal-oriented and more competitive than in the past.
Several will compete at the Canadian championships and one of the swimmers, Taylor Smith, recently qualified for the nationals.
Despite the growing competitive aspect of the club, Malar said some do not want to compete in the pool.
“Some people find it very stressful to stand on the blocks,” she said. “Others thrive on it.”
To register, visit orcaswimclub.net.
The swim season will begin in mid-September, after annual maintenance work at the pool has been completed.