SEA PUPS PROGRAM INFORMATION

What is Sea Pups?

Sea Pups is a program for swimmers age 5-8 who are not yet ready for Sea Lions. The goal of the Sea Pups program is to work with children over an approximate 5 week period to get them comfortable in the pool, with the end result that they are ready to swim one length of the pool freestyle and one length backstroke. This means they would pass the try out process and be ready for Sea Lions Developing level!

Sea Pups coaches get right in the water with the kids. We hire experienced high school swimmers for this job, and provide them a program of skills to help new swimmers build confidence and technique.

Please note that we have brought back this program after a long hiatus, and it is very popular! We're working through the details to make it successful, and making adjustments as we go. 

 

What are the requirements to join Sea Pups?

The program is for swimmers age 5-8. We may have a brief swim test before accepting swimmers, to place kids with others of similar ability. Sea Pups registration fee is currently $90. If cost is an issue, please see our scholarship page for more information.

 

When do Sea Pups practice?

Sea Pups sessions run for 5 weeks, and are Mondays and Wednesdays from either 6-6:30PM, 6:30-7PM, 7-7:30PM, or 7:30-8PM in Lane 00 of the high school pool. See the team calendar for currently scheduled sessions.

 

What if my Sea Pup graduates, but the next session of Sea Lions isn't starting anytime soon?

If there is room, you can re-enroll in the next Sea Pups session. Or, talk to coaches about possibility of joining Sea Lions if swimmer is ready and we have space.

 

What happens if my swimmer needs more practice after their first Sea Pups session?

Assuming there is space, you can re-enroll your Sea Pups as many times as needed until the swimmer is able to graduate to the next swim level. Please note that the program has been extremely popular, and we will likely have a wait list.

 

How do I start?

If you're interested in the program, sign up below! You'll receive emails with more information once you register. 

Sea Pups Sign Up 2025

Sign up here for Sea Pups. Then choose preferred session and time in the link on the confirmation page. SCHEDULE (to be confirmed once coach availability is confirmed) Mondays and Wednesdays. 30 minute practices at either 6, 6:30, 7, or 7:30PM. Session 1 Sea Pups: January 6 - February 5 Session 2 Sea Pups: February 10 - March 12

  • CHILD MUST BE BETWEEN AGE 5-8 AT FIRST DAY OF SWIM SESSION.

  • Parent/ Guardian Information

  • Emergency Information

  • Photo Release

  • Consent To Participate and Medical Release

  • I hereby give consent for said minor to participate in the activities of the St. Johns Sea Lions (SJSL). By participating in this program, I will not hold any of the sponsors, supervisors, coaches, officials or volunteers of the SJSL or any local community responsible for any injury that said minor may sustain while participating in the above activities.
  • I hereby authorize any duly authorized doctor, emergency medical technician, hospital or other medical facility to treat said minor for the purpose of attempting to treat or relieve any injuries received by said minor while he/she was a participant or observer at an event sanctioned or approved by U.S.A. Swimming and/ or SJSL.
  • I authorize any licensed physician to perform any procedure which he/she deems advisable in attempting to treat or relieve any injuries or any related unhealthy conditions of said minor that he/she may encounter during any necessary operation.
  • I consent to the administration of anesthesia as deemed advisable by any licensed physician.
  • I realize and appreciate that there is a possibility of complications and unforeseen consequences in any medical treatment and I assume any such risk on behalf of myself and said minor. I acknowledge that no warranty is being made as to the results of any treatment.

  • RELEASE, INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

  • In consideration of participating in the sport of swimming, and for other good and valuable consideration, I hereby agree to release and discharge from liability arising from negligence St. Johns Sea Lions and it's owners, directors, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, participants, and all other persons or entities acting for them(hereinafter collectively referred to as "Releasees"), on behalf of myself and my children, parents, heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate, and also agree as follows:
  • 1. I acknowledge that the sport of swimming involves known and unanticipated risks which could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis or permanent disability, death and property damage. Risks include, but are not limited to, death as a result of drowning or brain damage caused by near drowning; broken bones, torn ligaments or strains as a result of fall on the deck or from a diving board; medical conditions resulting from physical activity: and damaged clothing and or property. I understand such risks simply cannot be eliminated, despite the use of safety equipment, without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity.
  • 2. I expressly accept and assume all of the risks inherent in this activity or that might have been caused by the negligence of the Releasees. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary and I elect to participate despite the risks. In addition, if at any time I believe that event conditions are unsafe or that I am unable to participate due to physical or medical conditions, then I will immediately discontinue participation.
  • 3. I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Releasees from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity, or my use of their equipment or facilities, arising from negligence. This release does not apply to claims arising from intentional conduct. Should Releasees or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.
  • 4. I represent that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may suffer or cause while participating in this activity, or else I agree to bear the costs of such injury and/ or damage myself. I further represent that I have no medical or physical condition which could interfere with my safety in this activity, or else I am willing to assume and bear the costs of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition.
  • 5. In the event that I file a lawsuit, I agree to do so solely in the state where Releasees' facility is located, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply.
  • 6. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining portion shall remain in full force and effect.
  • 7. I hereby agree to follow all safety and behavior policies set forth by the SJSL. Failure to do so can result in consequences up to and including termination from the SJSL Team. For full details of these policies please refer to the handbook posted online at sjsealions.com
  • By signing this document, I agree that if I am hurt or my property is damaged during my participation in this activity, then I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against the parties being released on the basis of any claim of negligence.
  • I have had sufficient time to read this entire document and , should I choose to do so, consult with legal counsel prior to signing. Also, I understand that this activity might not be made available to me or that the cost to engage in this activity would be significantly greater if I were to choose not to sign this release, and agree that the opportunity to participate at the stated cost in return for the execution of this release is a reasonable bargain.