Frequent Asked Questions
The RiverTown RipTides offers a summer swim team for RiverTown residents and near by communities, ages 5 to 18. Besides offering swimmers the opportunity to develop their skills in competition, the RiverTown RipTides swim team also provides a great way for kids to make friends!
What are the registration fees?
First Swimmer = $225, Second Swimmer = $215, Third+ Swimmer = $195 each
Non-Resident Swimmers = Additional $100 per Family
*Discount for multiple swimmers is for immediate siblings only, not extended family. Registration fee includes a team t-shirt & swim cap. Team suit and additional spirit wear are available to purchase separately.
If I do not live in RiverTown, can my child swim on the swim team?
Yes, our CDD has approved non-resident families to join the RipTides, as long as we have not hit our swimmer cap. Our team is typically full by the end of returning and resident swimmers and we have historically closed registration after this period.
When does the season start?
The swim season (including practices) runs April 14th – approximately July 11th. See the website calendar for more details.
What are the age groups for competition?
There are six age groups: 6 & under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18.
My child has a summer birthday. What age group will he/she compete in?
The league uses the age of the child on June 1, 2025 for placement in age group competitions at the meets.
What strokes do the swimmers use in competition?
freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly
What swimming strokes does my child need to know to join the team?
Your child does not need to know any strokes to join the swim team. They do need to be able to swim the length of the lap pool (25 yards) without assistance and float comfortably on their back. The first practice will be used to evaluate swimmer readiness. If the coach determines that the child is not able to be safe in the water, all fees will be refunded. Safety is our top priority at all times.
What is SJSSL?
SJSSL is the St. Johns Summer Swim League. This is the summer league of teams that we compete against. Teams include Bartram Springs, Heritage Landing, Julington Creek, Murabella, RiverTown, South Hampton, St Johns Golf & Country Club & Shearwater
How often and when is practice?
Practice begins in the middle of April and will be in the afternoons during the school year. During the summer, we have four morning practice sessions.
What happens if we have a conflict and my child is not able to attend practice?
Practices are offered 4 times a week. It is at your discretion how many practices your child attends. You will see the most progress if your child attends at least three practices a week. Practices are not mandatory and you do not need to let us know when your child will be absent.
Does a child have to swim in a particular number of practices during the week in order to swim in a meet?
No, but the more practices they attend the better they will swim at the meets! Again, we can't stress the importance of attending all practices to see the most improvement.
Does my child need to wear the team swimsuit during practice? During a meet?
No special swimsuits are needed during practice. The only thing we ask is that the swim meet attire NOT be worn to any practices. Girls should wear a one-piece with no ruffles or decorations. Boys should practice in "jammer" style shorts.
Team suits during meets are required.
When are the meets, and where are they held?
The meets are generally held on Saturday mornings. We will host some meets at home, and we will travel to some meets at our competitor's home pool. We will swim the final CHAMPS meet another location.
How long does a meet last?
Saturday meets begin at 8 a.m. and usually last about 3-4 hours.
Do swimmers have to attend every swim meet/practice?
We know things come up, so we try to make the swim team as flexible as you need it to be. Attending all meets and practices is beneficial, but please do not rearrange schedules or move vacation plans. Please note, with regard to attendance at meets, swimmers must swim a minimum of three (3) meets in order to be eligible to swim at Champs in July.
What is a dual meet?
A dual meet is held between two swim teams. One swim club is the host team and the other(s) is the visiting team. The schedule is posted on the website under the tab labeled Swim Meets. There is a championship meet in July when all teams will compete with each other at one meet. It is a one day meet and a lot of fun!
Are there any parent volunteer requirements?
Yes, each swim family must meet their volunteer commitment as agreed at registration. The swim meets are entirely volunteer-run & it is impossible to have a successful season without parent volunteers! Your children, community and swim team are relying on you to fulfill your commitment.
How can I help the team?
It's an all-volunteer effort, and there is always something more that can be done. Consider becoming a starter or stroke & turn official. The officiating is all volunteer, and it always helps to have more people trained to step in when others have scheduling conflicts for a meet. You may also enjoy the meet more when you know the rules well, in addition to being able to help in your child's swimming development.
Additionally, if you have a business that would be interested in supporting the team, we have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available this year, both in cash donations and in-kind services. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more!
If you are interested in chairing a committee or getting involved on the board, please let us know! We'd love to have you!
