Swim Requirements & Mandatory Assessments
Adventure Tri (AdTri) athletes are young, but they must be able to function independently in the water to participate in any pool sessions. This is a core safety requirement because our programming is movement-based triathlon training, not swim lessons.
Minimum Swim Requirements (All Mandatory)
Children must be able to demonstrate the following without physical support from a coach:
Swim 25 metres, Tread water 30 seconds
- Coaches may provide verbal support only.
- Any stroke or body position is acceptable.
- Continuous, independent movement must be shown.
- Demonstrates comfort, buoyancy, and basic survival competence.
These are not performance metrics—they are baseline safety requirements for participating in group-based pool activities.
Assessment (AdTri Only)
Assessment is mandatory before every session block
- Assessments occur before the first practice of each new session (e.g., fall, winter, spring, summer camp).
- This ensures safety even as skills regress or advance over time.
- If your child has achieved Swim 3, or been previously cleared by an Exceleration coach, the assessment requirement is waived.
If an athlete does not pass, they do not enter the pool
- An athlete who does not pass assessment is moved to bike/run/land-based programming while working toward required swim skills outside the program.
- Parents will receive clear feedback and next steps.
Adventure Tri is not a swim lesson program, it is a ‘joy in movement’ program, with safety at its core.
Why We Require Independence in the Water
- Safety ratios for group triathlon training differ from swim-lesson ratios.
- Coaches cannot provide hands-on assistance while supervising multiple athletes.
- Independent water competency ensures children can manage themselves in deep or shallow water during skills-based activities.
- These requirements align with LTAD’s “Active Start” guidelines for safe aquatics involvement.
SWIM FAQ
Q: My child is 4–6 and cannot yet swim 25 metres without help. Can they still join AdTri?
Yes—but they cannot enter the pool sessions. They may participate in dryland, run, and bike components until they reach the swim requirements. Don’t worry, we have a full slate of activities for every level of participant!
Q: Will coaches help my child swim during practice?
Coaches will coach skills, not teach swimming. AdTri is not designed for hands-on swim support or swim instruction.
Q: What if my child fails the swim assessment?
They will not enter the pool. Parents who want their child to swim with us should find swim lesson pathways to help them meet the competency standards for the next session.
Q: Why are the swim requirements so strict for such young children?
Two strong reasons: The City of Vancouver has strict requirements for ALL pool users, including for Exceleration programming. AND because pool time involves group-based triathlon skills, not learn-to-swim instruction. Safe participation requires independence in the water.
Q: Can my child use a PFD or flotation belt?
No. Assistive devices are not permitted for the swim test, and not during general practice. We use pool noodles or paddle boards for some skills coaching, but all athletes must be swim-ready before joining us in the pool.
Q: Do the swim requirements apply even if my child is in swimming lessons?
If your swimmer has passed the Swim 3 test, you can present their documentation to skip our assessment. If your athlete is known to us and has previously been cleared by an Exceleration coach, assessment is not required. In all other cases, your athlete must be assessed before joining us in the pool for regular practice.