Aquatics Programming Across Our Clubs

Jackson McDonough, Aquatics Director & Swim Team Head Coach: jmcdonough@bgcprov.org

Swim Team Website Link: https://riptidesswimteam.swimtopia.com/

At our Fox Point, and South Side Clubhouses, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence feature indoor, heated, 25-yard pools, each 10+ feet deep at our deep and with diving blocks at our Fox Point Clubhouse. Our Wanskuck clubhouse has a smaller pool 3,4 feet deep. Under the watchful eye of trained and certified lifeguards and swimming instructors, parents have the comfort of knowing their children are safe and learning to swim at their own pace.

*Must be a member of BGCPROV. For more information, contact Jackson McDonough jmcdonough@bgcprov.org

 

Click on the tabs below to learn more about the programs and opportunities offered through our Aquatics Department!

Rip-Tides Swim Team Information

Fall/Winter Program Information

Our fall/winter season begins shortly after Labor Day and concludes with the RIMA Championship meet in March. We compete with the RIMA (Rhode Island & Mass Swim League). Practices are five days a week with a couple of swim meets a month. During this season, our team also competes at the Boys & Girls Club National Swimming Championships in Florida. We recently concluded a successful 2025-2026 season, highlighted by a first-place finish at the Boys & Girls Club National Championships—an achievement that reflects the dedication and hard work of our swimmers.

 

Spring Swim Team Program Information

Our spring program, running from April 21 through June 25, is designed for swimmers who wish to maintain conditioning during the off-season. Practices are held up to four/five days per week, depending on each swimmer’s age and skill level. The program may conclude with a friendly competition against another team within the RIMA league.

 

Summer Swim Team Program Information

The summer program takes place during the majority of our summer camp session, beginning the week after the Fourth of July and continuing through early August. This session emphasizes endurance and further development of the skills introduced in the spring. We are also working to finalize a small competition toward the end of the program.

 

How to Try-out?

Swim team tryouts are offered year-round and can be scheduled at your convenience prior to a practice session. Please contact me directly to arrange a time for your child’s evaluation. Following the tryout, swimmers will be placed into an appropriate training group based on their abilities.

 

More Information: 

Our program supports a wide range of skill levels. Whether your swimmer is interested in a recreational experience focused on fitness and teamwork, or is aiming to compete at the state, national, or collegiate level, we provide coaching to help each athlete achieve their goals.

 

I look forward to meeting you all and your families. Our swim team continues to grow, and we are excited to welcome new swimmers into the program.

 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and visit our website linked below:

https://riptidesswimteam.swimtopia.com/

Summer Camp

During the summer, swim instruction is incorporated into our Summer Camp program. Camp participants enjoy daily pool time, where trained instructors and certified lifeguards provide guided swim skill development and water safety education. This approach ensures children become more comfortable and capable in the water while enjoying a fun, supportive environment.

In order to participate in a Swim lesson Program or the Summer Camp Program, children must be members of the Childcare Program, Please call the front desk of your preferred Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence to get more information about Childcare Programming. Contact the Aquatics Director for more information about Summer Camp Swim Lessons!

Childcare Recreational Swims

Throughout the school year and during school breaks, our Aquatics Director coordinates with the Branch Directors of Operations to schedule recreational swim sessions as part of our full-day childcare programs.

We also offer “Fun Swim Friday” on select Friday afternoons. During these sessions, children have the opportunity to enjoy supervised free swim time in the pool.

In order to participate in Summer Camp or Childcare Fun Swims, children must be members of the Childcare Program, Please call the front desk of your preferred Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence to get more information about Childcare Programming

Fall & Spring Lessons

Swim lessons are scheduled seasonally, with structured programs typically offered during the fall and spring sessions at all pool locations. These lessons focus on skill development, water safety, and building swimmer confidence.

Must be a member of BGCPROV

The following locations host the following programs during fall and spring

Fox Point Childcare Lessons: Fox Point location

South Side Childcare & Roger Williams Middle School: South Side location

*Wansuck Location is currently under renovation

Please contact our Aquatics Director for more information on fall & spring “School Year” Lesson programming

Interested in renting one of our facilities? We have rented the pool out to many companies as well as some High School Swimming teams.

 

Want to have your birthday party with us? We would be happy to host your party during the school year months!

Please contact the Aquatics Director for more information on Rentals & Birthday Parties!

We hold occasional Lifeguard Certification & Recertification classes at our pools. Our staff include Lifeguard/Swim Instructors/Swim Team Coaches.

Please email the Aquatics Director to inquire when Lifeguard Classes will be offered. Email a copy of your resume if interested in employment.