Frequently Asked Questions

BVSC does NOT teach basic water survival skills. Students are expected to already know how to stay afloat. 

BVSC will occasionally hold a learn-to-swim session in the summer if staffing permits. Please subscribe to our website or Facebook page if you would like to be notified if and when we will be holding a session.

Our Learn to Swim (Occasionally offered in the summer if staffing permits) program is designed to teach the fundamentals of swimming and water safety, making it suitable for beginners and those looking to become comfortable in the water. The Competitive Swim program, on the other hand, is geared towards swimmers who want to refine their skills and compete in races. 

Again, BVSC is a competitive swim team year round and do NOT offer learn to swim programs regularly. 

We coach kids ranging in age from 5 - 18 years old. 

The swimmer must be able to swim one length of the pool without using the lane lines or the side of the pool for assistance. Swimmer should be able to do this without stopping.

The type of swimming does not necessarily matter as long as they are able to stay above water. The coach will be able to discuss further after evaluating your swimmer(s).

Winter/Fall season runs from September through March and Spring/Summer season runs from April through July.

The Belle Vernon Area High School pool.

425 Crest Ave, Belle Vernon, PA 15012

Included in your season is the flexibility of 4-5 days of practice Monday - Friday. You choose which days and how many days you would like to practice.

No.

While meet attendance is not required it is encouraged as it is a great way to monitor your swimmer's improvement over time.

Tryout: Goggles & Towel

If Joining: One-piece swimsuit for girls and jammers for boys, goggles, cap, and towel.

 Swimmers will be grouped by experience. The club provides swim groups to fit all levels of swim experience, from beginner to advanced. 

 Yes. The swim team is USA Swimming certified and participates as part of Allegheny Mountain Swimming. 

BVSC hosts approximately 10 meets per year which contributes significantly to our non-profit budget.  Without these hosted meets, our swimmers' dues would inevitably increase for all families.  Each meet requires tremendous support from volunteer officials and parents/families for the meet to function for the swimmers. The benefits of supporting BVSC by working at meets and other events are numerous, both to the swimmers who learn that giving back to their community is important and to the family who can make new friendships within the club.  It is just a bonus that working at the meets can even be fun--much more fun than sitting for several hours!
BVSC enjoys a good reputation for hosting efficient, well-run meets which parents and swimmers appreciate.  As a stakeholder in the Belle Vernon community, we pride ourselves on the help that we receive from our members.  We appreciate all of the time and energy that parents and families provide to time and place races, ensure safety on the pool deck, work concessions, and help with important administrative duties. 
BVSC is so thankful for the many members who go above and beyond the minimum obligation. Each family is obligated to earn credits for the registration season by working at meets, becoming an AMS official, or supporting BVSC in several non-meet, long-term functions.  If a member does not meet the family service obligation agreed to at registration, a charge will be assessed after the final service opportunity.