If your athlete loves the water, has graduated from a lesson program, and is excited about joining a swim team, we’d love to guide you through Elmhurst Aquatics’ registration process.

EA practices at York High School and offers two main seasons:

• Fall/Winter Short Course (SC) Season: September – February
• Spring/Summer Long Course (LC) Season: April – July

New Swimmer Information:

Spring Evaluations - please email coachjulie@elmhurstaquatics.org to scheduel a tryout

Please make sure to read the registration packet in its entirety. 

2026 Spring LC Registration Packet

The packet contains: group assignments, a preliminary practice schedule, and a link to registration

What Will My Athlete Be Asked to Do at an Evaluation?

Coaches will be on deck to evaluate your athlete’s current skill level and place them in the practice group where they’ll thrive. Athletes will be asked to perform formal swim strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. We are evaluating technique, not speed.

We are not a swim lesson program. All athletes must be comfortable, safe, and self-sufficient in deep water. Coaches are not in the water during practices.

Evaluation Expectations:

Ages 6–10:

• Swim 2 lengths (25 yards) of freestyle with face in the water, side breathing, large arm circles fully out of the water.
• Swim 2 lengths (25 yards) of backstroke with large arm circles.
• Swim 1 length of butterfly and 1 length of breaststroke.
• Must be able to blow nose bubbles and manage pressure during a front somersault.
• May be asked to perform a sit or kneeling dive and other skills.
• Must perform all skills unassisted and be comfortable in deep water (12+ feet).

Ages 11 & Over:

• Swim 2 - 4 lengths of freestyle with rotary (side) breathing
• Swim 2 - 4 lengths of backstroke.
• Swim 1 length of butterfly
• Swim 1 length of breaststroke.
• Perform a flip turn, open turn, and possibly a racing start.
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What to Wear/Bring:

Swimsuit (no two-piece suits, please)

Goggles

Towel - we do not have extra towels at the pool

Swim cap or hair tie for long hair

Group Descriptions:

BLUE Group:

Focuses on developing all four strokes, racing skills, starts, turns, and completing a legal 100 IM or 200 IM, depending on age group.

Swimmers must have a solid basis of swim strokes to continue learning the basics of competitive swimming, with conditioning added over time.

Meet participation is encouraged but not required.

GREEN Group:

Focuses on refining stroke technique and developing race strategies.

Introduces a consistent conditioning program and important practice habits like lane etiquette, group dynamics, and pace clock reading.

Competition in swim meets is highly encouraged and expected.

Evaluation Results:

You will receive results via email within 2 days. Athletes will be placed in a practice group based on their age, ability, and availability.

*Not all athletes will be placed immediately. If a coach feels an athlete would benefit from additional lessons before joining a competitive swim team, that recommendation will be made to support their long-term success.

Elmhurst Aquatics is excited to offer two separate weeks of our Summer Swimming and Water Polo Camp!

This is a great opportunity for swimmers and Water Polo players to develop their skills, make new friends, and have a lot of fun in the water.

CAMP WEEK 1 JUNE 8TH - 11TH - Click here to register

CAMP WEEK 2 - JULY 14TH-17TH - Click here to register

COST: $250

TIME: 9:30 AM-1:00 PM. Snack provided; please bring a sack lunch.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 8-11 Year Olds
• Be able to swim a 25 freestyle
• able to tread water & float comfortably for at least 30 seconds without assistance
• Basic water safety - Must be safe in Deep water.

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I’m New to Swimming — What Should I Know?

How long are practices?

About 1 hour for Blue groups and 1 hour or more for Green groups.

Is there a minimum practice requirement?

No, but attending practices regularly is recommended for the best improvement.

Can my athlete arrive late or leave early?

Absolutely!

Are there additional costs or equipment?

Practice fees are covered in registration.

Swim meets typically have additional entry fees (some hosted meets may be free).

Each athlete will need a team suit, fins, and a kickboard.

Additional equipment may be required for older groups.

How do I sign up for swim meets?

Each meet will have a registration window where you must RSVP. No late entries will be accepted.

How long are swim meets?

Time Trials and Dual Meets: about 2–3 hours.

Weekend Meets: about 4–5 hours per session.

Does my athlete have to swim in meets?

No, but coaches will discuss competition with each swimmer and help support their goals.