The Canton Dolphins Swim Team has been working hard since school got out. Part of the Summer Suburban Swim League, the Dolphins are run through the Canton Recreation Department.

Swimmers range in age from around 5-years-old to 18-years-old. It is truly unique in that an entire family–boys and girls of all ages–can participate on the same team. The only requirement is the ability to swim the length of the pool. The coaches work with swimmers on strokes and technique. Swimmers of all abilities are welcome and the improvement in ability from the beginning of the season to the end of the season is noticeable.

At the middle of the season, the Dolphins had a record of 5 wins and 1 loss. As of last week, the team had wins against Dedham, Westwood, Millis, Medfield and Natick, with their only loss coming against tradtional powerhouse Walpole. The Dolphins had meets against Norwood and Newton, with Sherborn, Needham and Framingham coming up in the next couple of weeks.

In addition, on Friday July 29, a small group of swimmers competed in the Mile Swim. Also, the team will compete in the B Regionals on August 6 and the A Regionals on August 13, both being held in Newton.

The team practices daily with older swimmers practicing from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and younger swimmers practicing from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Both practices and home swim meets are held at the Town Pool on Bolivar Street.

The Canton Dolphins Swim Team is a great opportunity for the youth in Canton. Not only is it great exercise, but swimming teaches kids the importance of hard work, teamwork and sportsmanship. It is the only youth sport I know of where everyone claps for the kid who is last to finish in a heat. All swimmers wait in the pool until everyone in the heat has finished. Swimmers who are not swimming stand at the edge of the pool and cheer their teammates on. The only thing needed in addition to the abillty to swim is a good attitude and a willingness to work hard.

The team is coached by long-time coach and Canton resident Sandy Hart, who swam with the Dolphins growing up in Canton. Now, her children are also part of the Dolphins team. 

There are a couple of home meets left this season, including August 2 and August 9.  Home meets start at 6:00 p.m. Come by and cheer on the team!

While it is too late to join this year's summer swim team, the Dolphins also have a winter swim team. Keep an eye out for information in the fall about sign ups through the Canton Recreation Department.