Swim Team Levels and Try-Outs

All new swimmers must try-out before enrolling!
  • BDA is not currently accepting swimmers in Chapel Hill except for Daytime/Homeschool practices. 
  • We have plenty of openings in Durham, but if you want to be notified when Chapel Hill has openings, please fill out the try-out form to secure your spot on our waitlist. 

Qualifications for Grey, White and Blue levels:
Age 5-18
Own a pair of fins, goggles and a water bottle (required equipment)
Additional requirements for each level below


Grey level (Emphasis on learning all four strokes and building endurance):
          45 minute practice
Ages 5-8
Can follow directions
Complete 25 yards freestyle (1 length) with knowledge of side breathing
Complete 25 yards backstroke (1 length)
Have endurance to complete a 45 minute practice that consists of multiple 25 yard lengths
Swimmers not ready for the Grey group are encouraged to take lessons with our Swim Academy 

White level (Emphasis on technique and some speed work):
          60 minute practice
Ages 5 - 18
          Complete a legal 50 yard freestyle (2 lengths)
Complete a legal 50 yard backstroke (2 lengths)
Demonstrate rotary breathing while swimming freestyle
   If joining September - December:
Demonstrate breaststroke for 25 yards
Demonstrate basic butterfly (does not have to be legal)
   If joining January - May:
Complete a legal 25 yard breaststroke (1 length)
Complete a legal 25 yard butterfly kick
Have endurance to complete a set of 3 x 50 yards freestyle with 30 seconds rest and maintain the stroke
Swimmers not ready for the White group are encouraged to join our Grey level - or -
                                                                                                             take lessons in our Swim Academy 

Blue level (Emphasis on technique and training):
          90 minute practice
Ages 8-18
Complete a legal 200 yard freestyle (8 lengths)
Demonstrate all 4 strokes legally (or very close)


Try-out Information

You MUST fill out this try-out form prior to attending a try-out.  
The form includes a waiver and there are no exceptions.

The swim team try-out is NOT a sample swim practice; it will last about 10 minutes per swimmer.
The try-out is to determine whether your child is ready for swim team and, if so, which level is appropriate.
  • A coach will ask him/her to swim a little of each stroke they know and may ask him/her to swim a little more if considering them for a more advanced group.  
  • If you are new to the Blue Dolphins Swim Team, a try-out is necessary.
  • If you are a returning BDA team swimmer and want to change levels, we encourage a try-out.
  • If you are a returning BDA team swimmer and know your level has not changed, you do not need to try-out.
  • If you have taken lessons with BDA recently, please email our SwimTeamDirector@bluedolphinsaquatics.com and ask for your swim team level
For swimmers joining the team after November 1, the requirements may be increased to match the natural improvement of team members throughout the season.  Check back here closer to that time or contact us for more details.

If you have questions about try-outs or swim team, please email our SwimTeamDirector@bluedolphinsaquarics.com.