Monterey County Aquatic Team/Salinas Valley Aquatics Team
& American "Learn to Swim" Program
(Swim "America" TM MCAT/SVA)

Our Mission (Monterey County Aquatic Team/Salinas Valley Aquatics Team):
(SVA) is a year round competitive swim program that can meet the individual needs, hopes and aspirations of anyone who is interested in competitive swimming.

The Monterey County Aquatic Team / Salinas Valley Aquatic endeavors to produce champions in swimming and in life by providing a competitive, positive, safe, and fun environment where each individual can maximize their potential. We define competition as striving with others in a manner which is healthy and beneficial, and an important opportunity for the teaching of life skills such as goal setting, teamwork, sound nutritional habits, and the development of a work ethic.

We recognize that the producing of champions also requires continual mentoring, providing recognition and awards, and working with parents helping them to understand the process. We further recognize the importance of helping our members to pursue their academic and swimming careers beyond high school and we develop various means for making them aware of collegiate opportunities.

Producing champions from the community carries with it the opportunity and the responsibility for promoting lifetime fitness and wellness and actively seeking to provide for and include residents from all socio-economic sectors in one or more of our instructional programs.

To fulfill our mission we will continually enhance our professional coaching staff; promote, encourage, train, and recognize our volunteers; and develop new facilities. The administration of our program requires continually maintained lines of communication, accountability, community awareness through promotions, publicity, and political action, and fiduciary responsibility. Thank you for joining us. We are looking forward to meeting you. Please feel free to ask another member or coach any question you may have.

Our Mission (America Learn to Swim Program aka Swim "America" TM MCAT/SVA):
Why Swim America? "The only lesson that can save your child's life!"

SwimAmerica is a learn-to-swim program that focuses on teaching water safety skills, as well as, proper swimming technique.

The answer is quality.

*Quality Program: SwimAmerica is the only learn-to-swim program endorsed by the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA). The program itself was developed by ASCA and is continually refined and updated by a panel of expert coaches.

*Quality Instruction: All SwimAmerica and MCAT-SVA coaches are fully trained and certified by ASCA.

*Quality Results: Children learn how to REALLY swim. No more doggie paddle.
SwimAmerica defines a swimmer as someone who can continuously swim 300yds of freestyle. No one is ever drown-proof, but the ability to swim 300yds demonstrates a proficiency in the water that can and has saved lives.
Proficiency leads to achievement, self-confidence, and the enjoyment of life. SwimAmerica teaches the skills necessary for a lifetime of SAFETY, FUN, and FITNESS in the water!

Swim America Stations
The program is taught in 10 stations. Every student progresses at his/her own rate, independent from other students? development.

Stations 1 and 2
In these stations, children become comfortable in the water, learn proper breathing, as well as, floating and gliding on their front and back.

Stations 3 and 4
In these stations, children learn to properly kick on their front and back, and roll over from front to back without support. These skills are the foundations for proper swimming technique and water safety. They will also begin to learn the front crawl, or freestyle, stroke.

Stations 5 and 6
In these stations, children continue to develop their freestyle, progressing from swimming 20ft. without breathing to 50yds breathing to each side.
Children also learn backstroke and treading water, as well as other technique drills and water safety skills.

Stations 7, 8, 9, and 10
Once a child has graduated from Station 6 and is able to swim 50yds freestyle and 25yds backstroke, he or she is ready to join the Novice Group of the Monterey County Aquatic Team-Salinas Valley Aquatics (MCAT-SVA).
Stations 7-10 are taught as part of this group. Children learn butterfly and breaststroke, build endurance in freestyle and backstroke, and learn starts and turns used in competitive swimming.

After completing Station 10, swimmers will be well-prepared to join the MCAT-SVA Age Group swim team.

How you and your family can help:
To encourage every child in Monterey County to learn how to swim. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death to children in the world. Our goal is to teach children water safety and the physical benefits of swimming.

Website: www.mcatsva.org
Phone: 1-866-411-6228
E-Mail: coachdia@aol.com