The Vancouver Island Region of the British Columbia Summer Swimming Association is composed of a group of clubs from Victoria in the south, to Campbell River in the north. We are one of eight regions in the Province. These clubs operate independently within the Rules and Regulations of the BCSSA, but as a region we work cooperatively together for the betterment of our members.
We have swimmers from the age of 5 to adults. Our competitive season runs from May 1st until the end of August. Most clubs run a maintenance program in the off season comprised of no more than 2 hours per week of coached sessions.
Every summer, there are numerous opportunities to compete in swim meets. We usually begin the meet season the last weekend in May and the culmination of the year are the 2 Regional Championship meets that we run. One of the Regional meets is the B&C Championships. This is a wonderful way for swimmers who are perhaps not as fast as others to compete in a heats and finals meet. This opportunity might not happen for them without this meet. The other Regional meet is used to determine who qualifies for the year end Provincial Championships. Now, this meet is for all to attend if they so desire, not only for the “fastest”. Our region encourages participation in swim meets and we celebrate personal improvement.
Through our Association, members are taught a critical life skill, that being able to swim. We all know how important that is with where we live. Our swimmers meet lifelong friends, and we feel that having fun with social activities are just as important if not more so, than swimming fast.
The BCSSA also offers 3 other aquatic disciplines; water polo, synchronized swimming and diving. Presently on the Island, there are clubs offering water polo, and we have had clubs involved in synchro. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to offer these other activities.
