2025 Benton Sharks Summer Swim and Dive Team

Welcome to the Benton Sharks Summer Swim and Dive Team. Managed and operated by the city of Benton Parks and Recreation Department, the Benton Sharks is a summer league team with a dedicated roster of coaches. Our team has received several national and regional accolades for our program.

The Benton Sharks is an age-group recreational swimming and diving team that provides instruction, training, and competition to young people of all skill levels. In addition to being a fun activity, recreational swimming instills discipline, boosts self-esteem, promotes sportsmanship, strengthens character, and teaches how to handle both success and failure. It is a great fitness activity that can be enjoyed at any age and fitness level.

Our Vision at River Center

Our mission is to make sure that everyone in Benton and the surrounding areas can enjoy swimming and diving in a safe and enjoyable environment. Our dedicated team of trained aquatics professionals works together seamlessly to make this vision a reality. Our aim is to promote swimming as a positive activity in Arkansas by teaching both recreational and competitive swimming and diving to more individuals. Above all else, River Center prioritizes water safety.

Mission Statement

The Benton Sharks is a recreational swim program that strives to:

Promote swimming and diving as a sport

Provide swimmers with top-quality coaching

Encourage swimmers and divers to set and achieve their goals

Offer swimmers opportunities to grow and reach their full potential

Recognize and value the contribution of each individual to the team’s success

Foster positive self-esteem, sportsmanship, character, and resilience

Foster a fun and supportive atmosphere in a recreational swim setting

Shark Tryouts

We are excited to offer a chance for your child to be evaluated for placement in the correct groups. It is important for every swimmer to be evaluated BEFORE attending practice regardless of previous experience on the team. We have multiple time available for tryouts on April 21st - May 1st. Please use the link below to sign up for a tryout today!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B094AAAAB22AAF85-54485913-2025#/

Parent Orientation - May 2nd, 2025 at the River Center

Pre-Season Schedule

May 5th through May 22nd

Beginner Groups - Monday through Thursday 5:45 pm to 6:30 pm

Advanced Groups - Monday through Thursday 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

*Swimming Without Limits does not begin until May 29th!

Regular Season Schedule

May 27th - August 2nd

845 am to 10 am - Mondays only - Dive Team - Advanced groups only

8 am to 8:45 am - Beginners Tuesday through Friday options

8:45 am to 10 am - Advanced Tuesday through Friday options

5:00 pm to 7:15 pm - Monday only - Swimming W/OL

6 pm to 6:45 pm Beginners - Tuesday and Thursday options

6:45 pm to 8 pm Advanced - Tuesday and Thursday options

End of Season Party - August 5th, 2025

Swim Meets

June 21st, Meet 1

July 12th, Meet 2

August 2nd, Sharks Olympics Championships

Swimming without Limits

The Swimming Without Limits (SWOL) program is a special part of the Benton Sharks Team. The SWOL group is composed of atypical kids who wish to be included in typical sports. These kids learn the exact same skills and strokes as the Sharks, but at their own pace. These kids also have the same opportunity to participate in Swim Meets as well. They simply practice at different times with a smaller group to have more one on one training. As SWOL swimmers become more confident in their abilities mentally and physically, they will be integrated into Sharks practices with typical kids. This is the goal of the entire SWOL program, to show neurodivergent and atypical kids and families that they are capable and welcomed in typical sports programs.

This program is limited in capacity. After registration, you can contact Dr. Megan Hill, OTR/L via email meganarchibald11@gmail.com for more details about SWOL.