2026 Skills Requirements
Is my swimmer ready for the Mako Sharks?
Massey Mako Sharks is a community-based summer swim team designed to help swimmers grow in confidence, skill, and love for the sport—whether they are new to team swimming or returning for another season.
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready, this page will help you decide.
The Most Important Requirement: Safety First
For safety reasons, all swimmers must be able to swim one full length of the pool unassisted.
This means your swimmer can:
- Enter the water independently
- Swim across the pool without stopping or holding onto the wall
- Exit the pool safely without assistance
Swimmers do not need to have perfect technique or swim legal strokes to join. Our coaching staff will work with swimmers throughout the season on stroke development, endurance, and confidence in the water.
Age Matters Less Than Readiness
We welcome swimmers ages 5–18, but readiness is based on ability, not age.
For younger swimmers (typically ages 5–8), readiness may also include:
- Comfort putting their face in the water
- Ability to float independently
- Ability to kick and move forward without flotation devices
If your swimmer meets the safety requirement but is still building confidence, that’s okay—summer swim is designed to help swimmers grow at their own pace.
What Skills Are Not Required to Join
Many families worry their swimmer isn’t “good enough” yet. Please know that the following are not required to join the team:
- Knowledge of all four competitive strokes
- Ability to swim long distances
- Prior swim team experience
- Fast times or meet experience
Our coaches will work on:
- Stroke technique and efficiency
- Starts and turns (age-appropriate)
- Endurance and race confidence
- Sportsmanship and mental toughness
What a Typical Practice Looks Like
Practices are structured, positive, and age-appropriate.
Swimmers can expect:
- Grouping by age and ability
- Clear instruction and demonstrations
- Built-in rest and encouragement
- Coaches in the water when needed for younger groups
Practices begin in the afternoon while school is in session and shift to mornings once school is out.
👉 See the Schedule page for full practice times.
Meet Readiness
Swim meets are an important part of the summer season, but they are meant to be fun, low-pressure, and developmental.
Swimmers should be ready to:
- Listen to coaches and volunteer helpers
- Attempt races with encouragement (not perfection)
- Celebrate effort and improvement
Coaches and parent volunteers help guide swimmers through each step of a meet, especially first-time competitors.
Equipment Readiness
Before the season begins, swimmers should have:
- A team swimsuit (strongly recommended for new swimmers)
- A team logo swim cap (included with registration)
- Goggles that fit comfortably and stay on
- An athletic practice suit (jammers/Speedo for boys, one-piece for girls)
👉 Visit the Registration Info page for full details, fittings, and links.
Social & Emotional Readiness
Swimming is an individual sport in a team environment. Your swimmer may be ready if they:
- Can follow basic instructions
- Are comfortable being in a group setting
- Can try something challenging with encouragement
- Are open to learning and improving
It’s completely normal for swimmers to feel nervous at first. Our coaching staff emphasizes encouragement, inclusion, and confidence-building from day one.
Not Quite Ready Yet?
That’s okay too.
If your swimmer:
- Cannot yet swim a full length of the pool independently
- Needs one-on-one instruction to build confidence
- Is still working on basic water safety skills
We recommend continuing with swim lessons and revisiting summer swim when they’re ready. We’re always happy to help point families toward resources and answer questions. Please visit our Swim Lesson webiste for more information on swim lessons in Massey.
Still Unsure? Let’s Talk.
If you’re on the fence or your swimmer may need special accommodations, we encourage you to reach out before registering. We’re happy to discuss your swimmer’s experience, goals, and readiness so we can set everyone up for a successful season.
👉 Contact @ [email protected]
👉 Complete the 2026 Interest Form to stay in the loop
