There is a place for everyone on the PEFAC Dolphins.

The Dolphins offer competitive and pre-competitive swimming lessons, broken down into four unique programs. The Junior Dolphin and Development Two (D2) programs are for beginner to advanced level swimmers. New this season, the Dolphins will offer a travelling competitive option, Development One (D1), and a brand new program for those who want to receive similar training without participating on race day.

“We want kids to swim. We live on an island surrounded by water. I think every child in the county would benefit from having strong swimming skills, not just from a health perspective, from a safety perspective too,” says Coach Jeremy Smith. 

The Dolphins are coming up on their 37th season in the County. They operated as the Quinte Dolphins for 35 seasons, before taking a hiatus in 2023 and re-establishing programming in 2025. 

Last year, coaches focused on pre-competitive programs, and built a roster of over 20 swimmers. They are now ready to take off the training wheels and dive into competitive waters against swimmers from across Ontario. 

“Last year we got into the pool late. From February until June, we focused on the skill and development aspect of the sport. After four months of a really solid program we decided to expand and offer competitive programs, meaning our students will be able to compete regionally and in larger competitions if we qualify,” Mr. Smith explains. 

Programs are designed to guide swimmers who are not new to the activity, but to competitive swimming. Junior Dolphins is for the youngest swimmers in the club. It focuses on confidence building, basic strokes, and, most importantly, having fun. 

From there, swimmers can move up to the D2, or the fitness and development program. In both of the tier two programs, the fitness aspect of swimming begins to play a stronger role. 

“Kids in the D2 program are still focusing on the four basic strokes. It’s for swimmers who are still relatively young, but they would like to move into competitive swimming,” Mr. Smith said. 

“Swimmers who just enjoy the sport, want to work on their fitness, and still want to learn without the competition can join our fitness and development program.”  

The decision to include the non-competitive program comes directly from parent feedback.

The final and most competitive program offered is D1. 

D1 swimmers train to compete at meets across the region, and spend more time in the water than any of the other three programs. 

“Those kids benefit from more time in the pool and more time working on the elements of competition.” 

 “These are the kids who want to compete.” 

Registration is over, but there is still time for parents to get their kids in the water before the swimming begins on Oct. 5. Anyone with questions on any of the programs the Dolphins offer is welcome to contact the club. 

“We encourage anyone who is curious to reach out. Any questions you have, we’re more than happy to field them. If you’re new to the club, bring your swimmer in and we’ll assess what’s best for them,” Mr. Smith said.

The Dolphins could also have a new home. The YMCA has expressed interest in building a club in Picton. Council discussed the possibility at the Sept. 10 Comittee of the Whole meeting, but no formal motion was put forward. 

According to Coucillor John Hirsch, the PEFAC board has also discussed but not formally invited the YMCA to partner. 

If PEFAC decides to invite the YMCA, it will build a new facility, as the organization does not build on existing infrastructure.