The YMCA of Western North Carolina Piranhas Swim Team is a year round youth competitive swim team offering coaching and technique instruction for beginner to elite level swimmers. The goal of our team is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice to international competitor.

To join the Piranha's Swim Team all new swimmers need to set up a swim assessment by emailing the Assistant Director of Competitive Swimming, Kelly Bouchard Turner, at [email protected] Please include the following information in your email.

1. Swimmer's name and age.

2. Preferred Location: Asheville, Hendersonville, Marion, or Black Mountain.

3. Previous swimming experience (level of swim lessons, summer swim league, swim team, etc.)

Swim assessments are a way to place each swimmer in the group that best fits them. The swimmer will demonstrate their swimming skills in the water and after a group is decided, the assessing coach will go over the registration packet, practice times and any additional questions.

The skills needed to join the team at the entry level are as follows: Complete a 25 freestyle with face in the water, breathing to the side. Complete a 25 backstroke without turning over. Both must be done without stopping and the swimmer must exhibit comfort in the water as swim coaches instruct from the pool deck not in the water. If you think this is something your child might need to work on first, we recommend signing up for group or private lessons at the YMCA to help prepare.