BLUE WATER OTTERS SWIM TEAM

The Blue Water Otters (BWO) have been a force in Michigan swimming for over fifty years. Beginning with volunteer coaches and a handful of swimmers in the fifties, BWO has grown into a formidable Y-USA team coached by a staff of professional coaches.

The team is sponsored by the YMCA of the Blue Water Area, administered by the head coach and supported by an energetic parent group. Through appropriate instruction, training, and guidance the Y is dedicated to developing a program full of happy, healthy, accomplished swimmers from novice to national level.

BWO swimmers excel at every stage of their careers, from eight and under to
National trial qualifiers. The team offers opportunities for year-round swimming with two seasons:
- Fall/Winter - September-April
- Spring/Summer - May-August

Requirements
Swimmers age 6 to 18 Be able to swim one length of the pool Must be a member of the YMCA of the Blue Water Area.

Practices
Practices take place on weekdays in the evening and Sunday afternoons from
September through April. Practice times are adjusted for the summer season. They include training in the water and dry land conditioning.

Meets
The BWO swim team is a Y-based team which competes in the YMCA Swim League. Meets take place on weekends starting in October. Swimmers must swim in at least 3 meets to compete in Y Championship meets.

Coaching Staff
The BWO Swim Team led by Kyle Doty, Head Coach with support from the Y
Aquatics Staff. Contact Kyle at (810) 987-6400 ext. 250 or email him at kdoty@bluewaterymca.com.

Fees
The fee for the Fall/Winter season is $600. Payment options are available. High School swimmers will be pro-rated.

Not sure? Try it. The first two weeks can be used as a trial period. If the team isn’t a
fit, swim team fees will be refunded.

Philosophy
The essential elements of the Y competitive aquatic philosophy are:
- Support and instruct every swimmer on the team
- Work on basic skills and teach good physical habits
- Teach fair play and the Y values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
- Help swimmers set and evaluate individual and team goals
- Foster a winning attitude, in both victory and defeat
- Encourage lifetime involvement in sports and physical activity
- Work with the whole person—mind, body and spirit