FAQs
Where does Westshore Masters Train?
Practices are held at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre at 1767 Island Highway, Victoria, British Columbia.
What age range?
18+
What is the range of skill levels within the club?
Anyone who able to swim around 1,000 meters (200m continuously) is welcome to join our team!
Will my swimming skills improve?
We focus on all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle) and coaches provide ongoing feedback. There are always a variety of drills and workouts are tailored to swimmers’ fitness levels and goals.
I have good technique but my endurance and speed are limited. Can I still join?
We have different lanes for different speeds and endurance. You can start at a pace that works well for you. You will improve with consistent training.
Is it ok if I can only swim freestyle?
Practices will involve swimming all strokes. Workouts can be modified to accommodate an individuals’ abilities in the different strokes. When modifying workouts, it is important that swimmers continue to move at approximately the same speed as others in their lane.
How many swimmers are there per lane?
There is an average of five swimmers per lane.
Can you provide a sense of the distances that I would be expected to cover; or the times that I might see on a set (e.g. 100m on 2:00, etc.).
Workouts are between 1.5 and 3 KM depending on your lane. Pace times are suggested and vary from 1:30 for the fastest lane to 3:00 for the slowest.
I have a medical condition and am interested in swimming again. Can I join this club?
As with all health conditions or concerns, please speak to your doctor before jumping in. If you do join, please make sure your coaches are aware of your condition and how to best support you.
How much does it cost?
You can learn about or fees here.
Why do we have to register with Swim BC?
Registration with Swim BC provides swimmers with insurance and allows them to compete in Masters swim meets if they choose. The Swim BC registration fee is collected by Westshore Masters at the time of registration and then remitted to Swim BC on your behalf. The Swim BC fees is charged once per year and expires at the end of August each year. ($78 for competitive swimmers & $30 for recreation swimmers).
When does the season start and end?
You can learn more about our sessions here.
How many times a week are practices?
You can learn more about our sessions here.
When are practices?
You can learn more about our sessions here.
When can I register?
You can submit your registration request at any time. Learn more here.
Is there a waiting list?
We currently have no waitlist.
How do I pay?
You can pay by:
- e-Transfer or
- Contact the registrar for other options.
Can I join mid-season?
Yes, if there is room in the program, new members are welcome to join during the season within reason. A surcharge will apply to registrations for less than the full season. Please reach out to the Registrar for more information.
Will I be reimbursed if a practice is cancelled unexpectedly (e.g. for weather, maintenance or pool staffing issues)?
Fees will not be reimbursed if the pool is closed unexpectedly for fewer than 3 practices within a season. Westshore Masters will consider options to reimburse swimmer fees when three or more practices within a season are cancelled unexpectedly.
Will I be eligible for a refund if I need to withdraw from the club (e.g. moving away)?
If the spot can be filled through the another swimmer, a refund of prorated fees (Swim BC registration fee is non-refundable) will be provided. Otherwise, the Treasurer will consider the state of the swim club finances to determine both whether a refund can be provided, and if so, to calculate the amount of the refund.
If I cannot attend a practice in the program I am registered in, can I drop in on another program to make it up?
You can attend other practices within reason. Please check with the coach.