Sharks Programs

Introductory Programming

Sears I Can Swim

The Prince Albert Sharks are pleased to offer the Sears "I Can Swim" program for beginning swimmers under the guidance of Coach Roger.

Designed by top Canadian swimming and coaching experts, SEARS I Can Swim teaches kids how to swim better, faster. And it allows facility operators to improve the quality and efficiency of their swim programs, while generating increased public participation and pool revenues.

Children and parents love SEARS I Can Swim because it promotes participation, fun and success in the water. It’s the only program that lets kids learn at their own rate and rewards them every step of the way. Designed to appeal to all age groups from babies to teens, the SEARS I Can Swim program features:

  • a fun, rewarding learning atmosphere
  • early introduction of all four swimming strokes
  • focus on swimming skills and stroke refinement
  • multiple swimmer rewards and incentives
  • learner-centred philosophy
  • continuous celebration and feedback rather than a pass/fail approach
  • wide range of exciting aquatic activities
  • ongoing program refinement and product development
  • flexible, responsive client service
  • adaptable to swimmers with disabilities and other special markets

Aboriginal Swim Quest

The Aboriginal Swim Quest started in February/2007 with a four day mini-camp inviting Aboriginal youth from the Muskoday Reserve and urban youth through the Prince Albert Grand Council and Zone 8 Sports Council.

The camp was a great success with over 20 participants, all of them having a great time in the water. A number of high performance swimmers from the Sharks helped the coaches with the camp, providing some excellent support and guidance for their Aboriginal peers. The program got off to a great start with 16 new swimmers involved in the program. Many of the swimmers already have a good swimming base to start with and they are having fun while improving their swimming skills. Participants swim twice per week for an hour each practice.

The Swim Quest program is noncompetitive and designed for progressive development of basic swimming starting from non swimming drills through to timed 400 metre swims. The participants, co-ordinators and coaches are very pleased with the program so far and look forward to the continued success and development of the program.

The Prince Albert Sharks would like to thank the following sponsors for their support in the Aboriginal Swim Quest program:

  • Muskoday Reserve
  • Community Initiatives Fund through Saskatchewan Culture, Youth and Recreation

Intermediate Programming

Green

This group is intended for swimmers competing in regionally sanctioned competitions for novice to intermediate level swimmers. 

Swimmers in this group will generally range from ages 7 to 10. 

In the pool, the emphasis will be on technical acquisition and development for all four strokes and other race components (underwater kick, starts, turns and finishes).   Swimmers in this group will engage in a series of skills and drills that will promote proper alignment and balance in the water.  This group will also be introduced to the fundamentals of training at an introductory level. 

Outside the pool, the emphasis will be on drylands (balance and coordination), flexibility and education.  Education will consist of nutritional planning, life skills, proper health and swimming knowledge.  Both in and out of the pool, swimmers will acquire mental skills necessary for training and competition. 

This group will train up to 5 times a week in the pool and 3 times a week out of the pool (drylands).  Swimmers in this group are expected to provide a moderate level of commitment.  Entry to this group is at the discretion of the Head Assistant Coach and Head Coach.

Blue

This group is intended for swimmers improving towards qualifying for Provincial level competition.  

Swimmers in this group will generally range from ages 9 to 12. 

In the pool, the emphasis will be on technical acquisition, development and refinement for all four strokes and other race components (underwater kick, starts, turns and finishes).  Swimmers at this age are entering a critical period of aerobic development (slow to intermediate energy delivery).  Therefore, stronger emphasis will be placed on this component of training. 

Outside the pool, the emphasis will be on dryland strength (no weight training) and conditioning, flexibility and education.   Education will consist of nutritional planning, life skills, proper health and swimming knowledge.  Both in and out of the pool, swimmers will develop and begin to master mental skills necessary for training and competition. 

This group will train up to 6 times a week in the pool and 3 times a week out of the pool.  Swimmers in this group are expected to provide a moderate to high level of commitment.  Entry to this group is at the discretion of the Head Assistant Coach and Head Coach.

 

Advanced Programming

Junior

This group is intended for swimmers improving towards competing at the top level of swimming in Saskatchewan and Canada for their respective ages. 

Swimmers in this group will generally range from ages 11 and up. 

In the pool, the emphasis will be on technical development and refinement for all four strokes and other race components (underwater kick, starts, turns and finishes) and slow to fast energy delivery through a systematic training plan. 

Outside the pool, the emphasis will be on dryland strength and conditioning, flexibility and education.  Education will consist of nutritional planning, life skills, proper health and swimming knowledge.  Both in and out of the pool, swimmers will develop and master mental skills necessary for training and competition. 

This group will train a combination of mornings and evenings up to 7-8 times a week in the pool and 4 times a week out of the pool.  Swimmers in this group are expected to provide a high level of commitment.  Entry to this group is at the discretion of the Head Coach.

Senior/Nat

This group is intended for swimmers improving towards competing at the top level of swimming in Canada and abroad. 

Swimmers in this group will generally range from ages 13 and up. 

In the pool, the emphasis will be on technical refinement for all four strokes and other race components (underwater kick, starts, turns and finishes) and slow to fast energy delivery through a systematic training plan. 

Outside the pool, the emphasis will be on dryland strength and conditioning, flexibility and education.  Education will consist of nutritional planning, life skills, proper health and swimming knowledge.  Both in and out of the pool, swimmers will develop and master mental skills necessary for training and competition. 

This group will train a combination of mornings and evenings up to 9-10 times a week in the pool and 4-5 times a week out of the pool.  Swimmers in this group are expected to provide a full commitment.  Entry to this group is at the discretion of the Head Coach.