The Steinbach Skimmers Club has 35 registrants this year which is a record for the club.

President of the club Matthew Reimer says 17 of those are returning members from last year and 18 are new to the club. Reimer says the added members meant a slight restructuring to their Launch Group.

"So our regular program has three tiers," explains Reimer. "Our Launch Group, Glide Group and then our Sprint Group. Our Launch Group had 16 club members this year. So in discussion with parents we needed to look at, how do we get the team atmosphere but at the same time get the training that they really want for development. So the decision was made to split those and we now have two Launch Groups that run at separate times so that we can still take advantage of lane space and have more, close to one-on-one training."

Reimer says each group is based more on skill level versus age, however, the general age between all groups ranges from 6 to 16 years of age. To enter into the Launch Group Reimer says swimmers need to be skilled at slip turns and the four basic competitive strokes. He adds there are swimmers who would like to join the club but need help with endurance and guidance in basic fundamentals which prompted the need for the Mini-Launch Program.

"We've added it new for this year and it's designed for those kids and those swimmers who aren't quite at the level where they can enter into our regular program but they do want to get to that point," explains Reimer. "So we've made exceptions, we've created this new program where we're going to teach them a lot of the fundamentals and we're going to help them work at their endurance so hopefully after one or two sessions with out Mini-Launch Program they're on track to be able to join our Launch Group."

 The Steinbach Skimmers season closely follows the school season, starting in September and ending at the beginning of July. Reimer says it's in-line with Swim Manitoba and Swim Canada and helps swimmers be prepared for the Provincials and 'AA' Man-Sask Provincials at the end of June and beginning on July.

Reimer adds they have seen the interest in the club grow over the last four years and feels it's a great place for kids to get their exercise and learn a team spirit. He says especially over the last ten to fifteen years the club has grown significantly.