Are you looking for a fun and healthy hobby, one where you can stay fit and grow physically and mentally? The Strathmore Silver Sharks Swim Club are making a splash at the Strathmore Aquatic Centre this month.

The club has a number of programs for youth, including competitive and non-competitive endurance and skills building programs for swimmers.

“One of the things that we really look at is teamwork and making a positive impact on their adult life,” said head coach Jen Mertz.

Coaches work towards growing participants into healthy adults.

“We always aim to ensure that the athletes are ready to become adults as they graduate from our program,” said Mertz.

“We make sure that they are good at time management, that they are aware of when their exams are, make sure that they are balancing their work life, their home life, and their school and social life,” she said.

Programs range in age and skill level. They include – Platinum, the highest level of competitive training and racing in the club. Gold, the first level of provincial competition and training, and Silver the second level of competitive, swimmers build on their skills.

Bronze level swimmers learn race tactics and begins to build race techniques. They attend junior swim meets.

White level is working on improving skills and is the first level of competitive swimming. Black level is developmental, and non-competitive and Minnows is an eight-week session program that builds endurance and sport awareness.

The Minnow level has spots available starting on January 14. They run three eight week sessions throughout the season.

For more information on the swim club, visit their website at strathmoresharks.com, or send an email to information.ssssc@gmail.com.