River Ratz Swim Team

In 2010, the River Ratz Swim Team won their first ever Greater Peninsula Swimming Association Championship title. Leading up to this year's victory, the River Ratz have been the regular season champs for three consecutive years. Great leadership, coaching, support, and peers all made these accomplishments come true. Watching a swim meet at the Club, brings goose bumps and chills to all spectators, as voices of cheers come from both teams to encourage the swimmers in a close race to the finish. Having your child become a part of the swim program at James River Country Club is something that every family must experience.

The  River Ratz Swim Team encourages all children to join and participate. Age groups run from 6 and under through 15-18 for girls and boys. Summer swimming begins the week  before Memorial Day with practices from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for the 13-and-older group, 4:30-5:15 p.m. for 8 and under and 5:15-6:00 p.m. for the 9-12-year-old group until the Newport News schools recess; thereafter, practices are held in the morning. Morning practice is as follows:  13 and older practice 8:30-9:30 a.m., 9-12 years practice 9:30-10:30 a.m. and the 8-and-under group practices from 10:30 -11:15 a.m.  There are no weekend swim practices.

The River Ratz compete in six swim meets during the season and qualifying swimmers will participate in a City Meet which is usually held the end of July. The season comes to an end with an awards banquet. However, the team has more to offer than competitions! Throughout the season the team enjoys miniature golf, pizza parties, club dinners and the year-end banquet.