About DCRP

Welcome! If you’re searching for a masters swim team for competition, exercise or a social group, Washington DC Recreation and Parks (DCRP) swim team is a great fit. We are a group of approximately 80 swimmers that range from age 20 to the young at heart. We have a range of levels and a range of experience. (But please note: this is a team; not a learn to swim program). We welcome swimmers of all ages and abilities who enjoy a good rejuvenating workout whether you are there purely for fitness or are a US masters circuit competitor, tri-athlete, or open water superstar looking for some serious training. Practices are offered all year long for your convenience.

For more information, check out our pool location and practice times, and  FAQ below.

If you are interested in joining DCRP, or if after reading the FAQ’s and Policies you have a question, you may contact Juliette deSousa at juliette@swimdcrp.org

Pools and Practice

Wilson Aquatic Center
4551 Fort Drive, NW
(Near the intersection of 40th and Brandywine Streets, NW)
Washington, DC 20016-1800

Practice Times: Street parking available

Tuesday 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Thursday 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Saturday 10:30am – 12:00pm

Policies

Attendance: We encourage all members to come to as many practices as possible.  An active membership makes practices more fun!

Friends and Family: Current members MAY NOT bring family and friends to swim during our practice times. No exceptions.

Visitors: The $15 drop in is a courtesy for out of town USMS members who are in town for business or personal travel – on a limited basis. They must show us a valid USMS card to swim with us. Local USMS members may drop in for the same $15 fee if space permits.

USMS Info

Following are links to other USMS web sites.

• Register for USMS with DCRP as your club
• USMS National Site
• Potomac Valley Masters – DCRP is a member of Potomac Valley Local Masters Swimming Committee.
• Potomac Valley Registered Clubs
• The Colonies Zone site – Potomac Valley, and therefore DCRP, is in the Colonies Zone.

FAQ

Q: How often do you work out?

We have workouts from 6:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 10:30 am-12:00 pm on Saturdays.

Q: Where do you practice?

We swim at Jackson Reed/Wilson Aquatic Center.

Q: Do team members have to come to all the workouts?

No, but we encourage attendance so that we can have an active membership.

Q: How difficult are your workouts?

It varies by lane. Our workouts are usually about 3,000 to 4,500 yards and involve sets of freestyle and stroke. You do not have to do the entire workout, but we prefer people try and stay the whole 90 minutes. This ensures we use our valuable lane space well and helps your lane mates as well.

Q: Do you have a coach?

Yes, we have several members who coach on a rotating basis.

Q: Do you compete?

Some of our members compete in swim meets; others do not.  There are several meets a year in the Potomac Valley region.  Many swimmers on our team compete in open water swims, such as the annual Reston Lake swim and the annual Chesapeake Bay race. Some of our members are triathletes. Most swam for summer, high school, or college teams.

Q: How old are the members of your team?

Our members range from their 20s to their 80s.

Q: Do I have to be able to swim fast?

No, you do not.  Swimmers choose their lane to swim with teammates of similar speed.

Q: Do I have to know how to do flip turns?

You do not have to, but it helps, and most team members do flip turns.

Q: How much does it cost to join?

We have seasonal (approximately quarterly) fees based on the DPR calendar. Winter is mid-November thru mid-March. Spring is mid-March thru mid-June. Summer is mid-June thru Labor Day. Fall is Labor Day thru mid-November. The quarterly fee for DC residents is $100 and Non-resident fee is $125. We have a one-time initiation fee of $100. In addition, all members must pay annual dues to USMS, the national masters swimming association, which provides insurance for our team. The USMS dues are about $70 a year. Both payments should be made online. See USMS page for details and links.

Q: What if I only swim once a week or part of the year? Do you prorate?

No, we do not prorate since our fees are as low as possible. In addition, you may join mid-season, but we do not prorate.

Q: What do I do if I want to join?

Email us and we will send you a registration link. You will need a USMS number first; for insurance purposes, you must be a member of USMS before you can join DCRP.