Summer is coming fast, and one of the best ways to keep kids active and entertained is with swimming.
The Mesa Swim Club Seadogs offers swimming groups for all interests and ages, from competitive and pre-competitive groups, to the Mermaid Program, which allows children and parents to have fun and get in a great workout, while wearing an adorable mono fin and tail.
“It’s great exercise,” coach Janine Simioni said of the Mermaid Program. “You can burn 2,000 calories in half an hour.”
The competitive year round group meets six times a week and focuses on long-course swimming, 50 meters and up, during the summer, and short-course swimming during fall, winter and spring to prepare for the team’s USA certified meets.
Those interested in joining the competitive group can prepare by entering the pre-competitive group first. Members of this group compete in non-official meets, and are able to choose how many times a week they would like to practice, up to five times.
“It shows them what competition is all about—and what noncompetition is about,” said Janine. “It’s great exercise for the kids, and practices last from one to two hours.”
The club incorporates fun into the practices and encourages participants to enjoy time with friends.
“We don’t just swim,” Janine said. “We do different kinds of relays, and we do fun water games with them.”
Mesa Swim Club Seadogs also is a cost-effective way to get kids moving and having fun, with fees for some programs starting at just $60 a month.
In addition to the mermaid program and the competitive groups, Mesa Swim Club Seadogs has a variety of other groups suited for different ages, ability levels and practice availability.
Mesa Swim Club Seadogs isn’t just for kids, either. Adults and parents are welcome to get involved, not only in the Mermaid Program, but also in the Masters Program, which gives those over the age of 18 a place to open water swim, offering the opportunity to stay in shape and have fun with friends.
Valley residents also can go to Mesa Swim Club Seadogs for American Red Cross classes on CPR, first aid, lifeguarding and more.
Mesa Swim Club Seadogs has been operating for 16 years, and Janine has been teaching the entire time.
“I’ve been teaching for 16 years,” she said. “It has been fun, and I love it.”
The Mesa Swim Club offers programs at both the Skyline High School pool, as well as Red Mountain Ranch Country Club. Participants are able to register at any time, and they can stay involved all year long.
For more information, visit www.mesaswimclub.com, or call (480) 807-3317.