Minnows Information
Welcome
The River Falls Minnows program was created for beginner swimmers as a springboard to the competitive swim team. The goal of Minnows is to introduce swimmers to the basic strokes and swim practice concepts. Minnows can participate in Wednesday swim meets once they are able to complete a 25M freestyle and/or backstroke without any assistance. River Falls hosts an annual Lollipop Mini-Meet (July 12) for all Minnows and younger neighborhood children.
Eligibility
Minnows is for younger, novice swimmers, generally between the ages of 4 and 8. Swimmers will swim with the Minnows for 1-3 seasons, and should generally be ready to graduate to the competitive swim team by the time they are 8 years old.
Minnows is not a substitute for swim lessons, but instead designed to supplement lessons and encourage development in the four basic strokes. Coaches make the decision when a swimmer is ready to move up to the competitive swim team.
How should I register my swimmer if I am unsure whether they should be on Minnows or the competitive Swim Team?
New Swimmers Ages 4-8:
All new swimmers ages 4-8 will be evaluated by coaches on Tuesday May 26th during our Minnows Evaluation. Our coaching staff will determine if your swimmer is ready for Minnows or competitive swim team that night. If your swimmer is not ready for either, our coaching staff will recommend private lessons (registration differences/refunds will be handled offline.) River Falls has partnered with FINS Learn to Swim Program to offer group lessons for beginners. Details can be found here.
Returning Minnows members:
All returning 2025 Minnows who are still not yet able to swim a continuous length of the pool in freestyle, should register for Minnows again this season and report to Minnows practice on May 27th. Do not sign up for Minnows evaluations on May 26th if you are a returning Minnow. Our coaching staff will evaluate all Minnows during the first week of Minnows practice. If your swimmer is ready for competitive swim team, our coaches will notify you via email by COB Friday May 29th.
Schedule
The Minnows practice schedule can be found here.
New Swimmers Ages 4-8 Evaluations
Please click HERE to sign your child(ren) for a mandatory 15-minute time slot on May 26th.
