Swimmer Eligibility

Water Safety Requirement (Applies to All Swimmers)

All swimmers must be water-safe to participate on the team.

Water safe means swimmers must be able to:

Enter the pool independently
Move through the water without flotation devices
Exit the pool safely without assistance

Swimmers may not use lifejackets, puddle jumpers, or other flotation devices during team activities.

Swimmers do not need to be proficient in multiple strokes or demonstrate perfect technique to be considered water-safe. The focus of this requirement is basic water safety and comfort in the pool, not competitive skill or form.

Ability Requirements for Meet Participation (Applies to All Swimmers)

To participate in swim meets, all swimmers, regardless of age, must be able to:

Independently swim one length of the pool (25 yards) - any stroke
Swim without assistance from an in-water coach or other support
Swim without flotation devices

Swimmers may stop briefly to hold the lane rope before continuing. If a swimmer cannot complete the length of the pool independently or exceeds the maximum allowed race time (2 minutes), they may be removed from the water for safety reasons.

Our goal is to help every swimmer progress toward meet readiness at their own pace. Coaches will evaluate swimmer readiness for meet participation throughout the season. Meet participation is encouraged, but not required.

Coaches will provide instruction, encouragement, and support to help swimmers build the skills and confidence needed to race when they are ready. Swimmers who are not yet meet-ready are welcome to continue practicing with the team as long as they are water-safe. Additional instructional support may also be recommended.

Dive Certifications

Cherokee County mandates all swimmers have a dive certification to be able to dive in meets. Swimmers who are not dive certified must start all races in water and cannot dive from the block. Your swimmer only needs to be "Dive Certified" once in their swimming career as an Otter.

As a 'diving pool team', we will host a Dive Certification instructor at our pool during a practice each summer. 2026 DIVE CERTIFICATIONS WILL BE HELD WED, 5/27 @9:45am (see schedule to confirm)

If your Otter is new to the team, they will need to participate in dive certification this season.
If your Otter has been on the team before, but hasn't previously certified, they will need to complete the certification this season.
If your non-certified Otter misses the dive certification practice, please reach out to the committee or head coach to discuss alternate options.

Age Divisions

Swimmers compete in age divisions established by the league:

6 & Under*
7–8
9–10
11–12
13–14
15–18

Age Control Date:
A swimmer’s age is determined by their age prior to June 1 of the current season.

*There is no minimum age requirement to join the team. However the water safety requirement and meet participation requirements below apply to all swimmers regardless of age. Swimmers under age 7 are not eligible to compete in the GRPA State Meet.

Age Group Movement

Swimmers may swim up an age group for relay events only.
Swimmers must compete in their assigned age group for individual events.
Swimmers may not swim down an age group, except as noted below.

Physically Challenged Swimmers

Physically challenged swimmers may be approved to compete in a lower age group when appropriate. This determination is made by the Board and reviewed annually to ensure fair competition. Swimmers should not be placed in a lower age group if doing so would result in a competitive advantage.

Families with special considerations are encouraged to contact the Association in advance.