The Orange Beach community is set to dive into an exciting new venture with the introduction of the Orange Beach Swim Team (OBST), spearheaded by newly appointed Coordinator of Aquatics and Swim Team, Dakota Heflin. The initiative aims to foster local talent and interest in competitive swimming, with aspirations of evolving into a year-round USA Swimming competitive team.

With programs tailored for ages 6 to 18, OBST is opening its doors to young swimmers with varying levels of expertise. From beginners to high school athletes looking to maintain their form during the off-season, the swim team offers an array of training opportunities designed to refine stroke techniques, enhance endurance, and instill the fundamental skills required for competitive swimming.

The Swim Team Prep, led by Coach Dakota, is particularly focused on summer league and high school swimmers who are keen on staying active throughout the off-season. The program emphasizes the importance of mastering the basics of all four strokes, with specific attention to freestyle and backstroke. Participants must be able to swim 50 yards continuously in these styles to enroll. The prep sessions are scheduled in weekly 4-day sessions across various dates from March to May, held at the Orange Beach Aquatics Center.

As summer approaches, OBST shifts gear towards a more intensive training schedule from June 3rd to July 31st, accommodating swimmers in two age-specific groups. The Blue Group, for children 10 and under, focuses on early stroke and turn development, basic competition skills, and introduces interval learning. The Orange Group, catering to swimmers aged 11 and older, aims to elevate stroke and turn techniques, competition skills, and interval-based training. Both groups have the option to participate in GCAAL League Swim Meets, encouraging a competitive spirit among the athletes.

Registration for the summer program is open from April 1st to May 24th, with a fee of $180 covering essentials such as swim caps, t-shirts, seasonal awards, and more. Interested parties are invited to sign up at www.orangebeachal.gov/aquatics. Before the commencement of the summer sessions, swim evaluations will be conducted to ensure participants are placed in the group that best matches their age and ability.

Coach Dakota Heflin has expressed enthusiasm for the community's support and involvement in making OBST a cornerstone for swimming excellence in Orange Beach. The program seeks to not only develop skilled swimmers but also to cultivate a sense of teamwork, discipline, and passion for the sport.

This new swim program promises to make waves in the local sports scene, offering young athletes the chance to pursue their swimming aspirations while contributing to the vibrant sporting community of Orange Beach.

Where: Orange Beach Aquatics Center (4853 Wilson Blvd)

When: Weekly 4-Day Sessions (Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday 4-5 p.m.)

Session 1 - Mar 11–15

Session 2 - Mar 18–22

Session 3 - Apr 8–12

Session 4 - Apr 15–19

Session 5 - Apr 22–26

Session 6 - Apr 29–May 3

Session 7 - May 6–10

For more information on the Orange Beach Swim Team and to register for the upcoming sessions, please visit the official website (above) or contact Coach Dakota Heflin directly at dheflin@orangebeachal.gov or call 251-974-SWIM (7946). The community is encouraged to follow OBST on social media (@obstmakos) to stay updated on news, schedules, and achievements.