Welcome to the La Paloma Swim Team information webpage, now proudly managed by Dolphins of the Desert Swimming Academy. The La Paloma Swim Team is part of USA Swimming and the Southern Arizona Aquatic Association (also known as summer league swimming), and we welcome kids 17 and younger who know how to swim and desire to be on a team with expert coaching and training methods.
For those with children who do not know how to swim (i.e. cannot swim a length of the pool unassisted), private lessons would be a great place to start. Click here to learn more about swim lessons.
Below is an overview of the two leagues.
SAAA (summer league):
An introductory swimming league for “new” or seasonal swimmers that begins in April and ends in July. This league is the intermediary step between the city/county league and USA swimming. SAAA swimmers will have great instruction and learn all four competitive strokes. These swimmers will “train” for 25-yard (1 length) and 50-yard (2 length) events. There are short swim meets once or twice a week for SAAA swimmers that focus on shorter sprint events. There is a championship meet in July that ends the season and invitational meets in June.
USA Swimming (year-round):
Though many Olympians got their start in summer league competitions, USA Swimming is where the best swimmers are developed. USA Swimming is nationwide and has the best coaches and swimmers in the world. Swimmers receive more “in depth” instruction, and train for longer events, ranging from 100 yards to 1650 yards depending on age and ability. USA Swimming meets are usually once a month with “time standard” championship meets at the end of the season.
La Paloma Swim Team minimum requirements
To join the swim team, the new swimmer MUST demonstrate the following skills:
- Be able to swim the length of the pool on their back (backstroke) unassisted
- Be able to swim the length of the pool on their front (freestyle) unassisted
- Be able to stand in the water on the side of the pool
- Be able to listen to instruction in a group setting
- Be comfortable away from parents for the allotted time of practice
If the new swimmer is not able to complete some/all of the bullet points above, private swim lessons are the best fit for the swimmer right now.
The coaches will hold “placement swims” for each new swimmer to the team after pre-registration, but before they can be registered with the team. We will try to hold “placement swims” before the start of the season.
The links below will take you to needed information:
Click here to meet La Paloma’s coaches
2024 Summer La Paloma Swim Team Pre-registration Form
After you have pre-registered, you may be put on a waiting list, or you may be contacted to complete an online registration form.
2024 La Paloma Swim Team equipment needs
DDSA anti-discrimination policy
For more information, please contact Geoff Glaser at info@dolphinsofthedesert.com.
La Paloma Swim Team seasons:
Spring-Summer (USA Swimming and summer league): April through July
Fall-Winter: August-March