Join Us

Thank you for your interest in joining the Water Rat community. With a roster of more than 200 children, we are one of the largest swim teams in New England. Our team members acquire excellent swimming skills, make new friends and learn how to set goals while developing self-discipline and self-confidence.

Skill requirements for our various practice groups are listed on our Team Information page. The Water Rat Swim Team operates on an academic calendar. Open tryouts for new swimmers are held at the beginning of the school year. If your child wishes to join the team, please check the Tryout page for dates and times. The page is usually updated in early August.

A few days after tryouts, the coaches will list the names of newly admitted swimmers on the team website, or notify parents directly by email. At that time, the parents of new swimmers should complete the online Team Registration process.

Outside the annual registration, the coaches select a limited number of new swimmers on an ad hoc basis in April before the start of the long course season. Candidates are invited to a closed tryout for an evaluation. The coaches also admit experienced swimmers, who are new to town, as transfer swimmers. For more information about joining the team mid-year, contact the coaching staff.

Financial Assistance

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, the Westport Weston Family YMCA endeavors to provide financial assistance to those who qualify. Contact Ellen Johnston for information about financial assistance.