The PHLY Lightning Swim Team strives for the best and most successful experience for every swimmer and their families. We are committed to creating a safe and positive environment for our athletes. We recognize that each swimmer has different goals and aspirations, and we create a path to the achievement of those individual goals. We will encourage the development of the characteristics exemplified by being a great teammate, and we will abide by the YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility.

This swim team is open to swimmers across the greater Philadelphia region. Practices take place at the following YMCA branch locations:

  • Christian Street YMCA
  • Columbia North YMCA
  • West Philadelphia YMCA

We offer three levels of swim team where kids can challenge themselves and grow as swimmers.

Registration Information

Current Swimmers: Current swimmers who are on the team will register through our their Y Online Account.

New Swimmers: Any new swimmer to the team will be required to register for an evaluation period prior to registering for the team. To register for an evaluation period, please complete the Swim Team Interest Form.

Swim Team Form

Evaluation Information

The evaluation is free and you do not need to be a member to attend the evaluation. However, if your swimmer is told by coaching staff they are ready and do continue on, the swimmer must become a full privilege member and will be charged the price of clinic and/or team.

When: August 11 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Columbia North YMCA, August 12 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at West Philadelphia YMCA, August 13 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Christian Street YMCA (only need to attend one date).

Ages: 5-18

What to Bring: New participants should wear a one piece bathing suit and bring their own swim cap, goggles, and towel. We recommend that all swimmers also bring a water bottle.

Interested swimmers can sign up for an evaluation by completing the Swim Team Interest Form.

Swim Team Form

Swim Team Levels

Level 1

Ages: 5-18

Price: $675

Description: For swimmers who are novices learning the technical fundamentals of the sport.

Level 2

Ages: 5-18

Price: $775

Description: For swimmers building on technical fundamentals and working towards introducing aerobic training.

Level 3

Ages: 5-18

Price: $875

Description: For swimmers building on aerobic training and development.