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Try RAID FREE for One Week!



Not Sure If Swim Team Is Right for Your Child? Come Try Us First.


Your swimmer does not need to be an experienced competitive swimmer to join Red Raider Aquatics.


Many RAID swimmers begin with little or no competitive swimming experience. That’s why we invite prospective swimmers to Try RAID FREE for one week before making a commitment.


Come meet our coaches, experience team practices, meet other swimmers, and see what being part of Red Raider Aquatics is all about.


No obligation. No pressure. Just come swim with us!



Who Can Try RAID?

We welcome swimmers with a wide range of experience — from children just beginning their swimming journey to experienced competitive swimmers looking for their next challenge.


Springfield


You may be surprised at how little experience your child needs to get started!


Your child does NOT need to already know all four competitive strokes.


For beginning swimmers, we are generally looking for children who are comfortable in the water and can:


  • Put their face in the water
  • Float independently
  • Follow basic instructions from a coach
  • Participate comfortably in a group setting


That’s it!


Our coaches will help teach the skills, strokes, technique, and confidence your swimmer needs to progress.


Bloomington/Normal


No competitive swimming experience is required!


Swimmers interested in our Bloomington/Normal program are welcome to contact us for an evaluation and practice-group recommendation.


Our coaches will determine the best starting point based on your swimmer's current skills and experience.



What Happens During the Free Week?


Your swimmer will participate with the practice group that best matches their current ability.


During the week, your swimmer will have the opportunity to:


  • Meet our coaching staff
  • Swim alongside RAID team members
  • Learn new swimming skills
  • Experience real team practices
  • Become comfortable with our coaches and facility
  • Discover what competitive swimming is all about
  • Have fun!


There is no expectation that a new swimmer already knows how swim team works.


We will help your swimmer — and your family — through the process.



Never Been on a Swim Team? That's Okay!


Competitive swimming has to start somewhere.


For many RAID swimmers, their first practice with us was their first experience with a competitive swim team.


Our program is designed to help swimmers progress step-by-step — from learning fundamental skills and proper technique to competing at increasingly higher levels when they are ready.


Your child does not have to be the fastest swimmer. They simply need to be ready to learn.



Already an Experienced Swimmer?


We would love to meet them too!


Red Raider Aquatics provides opportunities for swimmers at many levels — from developing athletes to swimmers with state, regional, sectional, national, and higher aspirations.


Our coaches will recommend the practice group that best fits your swimmer's ability, development, goals, and training needs.



What Should My Swimmer Bring?


For the first practice, keep it simple:


  • Swimsuit
  • Goggles
  • Towel
  • Water bottle


Our coaches will let you know if additional equipment is needed once your swimmer is placed into a practice group.



Do We Have to Register Before Trying RAID?


No!


The purpose of the free week is to give your swimmer and family an opportunity to experience RAID before making a commitment.


After the trial week, if you decide RAID is the right fit, we will help you complete registration and answer any questions about practice groups, schedules, meets, equipment, fees, or membership.



Two Locations. One Team


Springfield


  • Practices are held at Eisenhower Pool and Nelson Center Pool (during the summer months)


Bloomington/Normal


  • Practices are held at Illinois State University's Horton Pool.


While practice schedules and some meet opportunities vary by location, swimmers at both sites are members of one Red Raider Aquatics team.



Why Families Choose RAID


At Red Raider Aquatics, we believe competitive swimming should provide much more than just faster times.


RAID helps swimmers develop:


  • Strong swimming technique
  • Confidence
  • Fitness and endurance
  • Goal-setting skills
  • Independence
  • Sportsmanship
  • Friendships
  • A sense of belonging
  • Skills that last far beyond the pool


Our goal is to provide an environment where each swimmer can develop to the highest level possible based on their own desires, talents, and dedication.


Whether your swimmer is just getting started or dreams of competing at the highest levels of the sport, there is a place to grow at RAID.



Ready to Give RAID a Try?


There is no better way to find out if Red Raider Aquatics is right for your swimmer than to experience it.


Try RAID FREE for One Week!


  • Springfield Families



  • Bloomington/Normal Families



Please Include:

  • Swimmer's name
  • Swimmer's age
  • Previous swimming experience, if any
  • Preferred RAID location
  • Parent/guardian name
  • Best contact information


We will contact you with the appropriate practice group, practice time, and everything you need for your swimmer's first practice.


Come See What RAID Is All About.


No experience required to dream big.


Red Raider Aquatics - The Team You Dream Of!