Group of young girls in swimsuits and swim caps smiling and celebrating together outdoors.

Swimmers competing in a race, seen through a barrier in an outdoor swimming pool with lane markers and water splashes.

Swimmer in a pool, wearing a swim cap and goggles, sitting in the water with arms raised, celebrating after a race.

Swimmers in a crouched starting position at a swimming competition, wearing caps and goggles.

Swimmers diving into an outdoor swimming pool during a swim meet, with spectators watching from the deck.

Swimmers at an outdoor pool, with children and a woman, some wearing goggles and swimwear, standing at the pool's edge during a group activity.

Swimmer diving into a swimming pool at a swim meet with spectators watching from under a tent.

A swimmer in goggles performing a front crawl in a swimming pool, captured in black and white.

A young boy in swimming goggles and black swim trunks sitting on the edge of a swimming pool, smiling, with children in swimming caps and goggles in the background preparing to jump into the pool.

Young boy with swimming goggles holding onto a pool ladder, partially submerged in swimming pool water.

Two young swimmers competing in a swimming race in an indoor pool, one in the foreground and one in the background, both wearing swim caps and goggles.

A young swimmer in a black swimsuit and yellow swim cap helping a boy out of a swimming pool, with other children and adults in the background near a poolside area.

Children in swimsuits diving into a swimming pool from starting blocks at an outdoor pool area.

A swimmer in black goggles and a swim cap is doing a backstroke in a swimming pool, with another swimmer in the background.

Swimmer in a black swimsuit and swim cap diving into a swimming pool from a starting block during a race.

A young swimmer wearing a black swim cap and green goggles, adjusting their goggles while sitting on the edge of a swimming pool.

A swimmer dives into a pool during a race, with water splashing as they enter the pool, while several children and a woman on the pool deck watch from behind the starting blocks.

Water Otters.

Where children are encouraged to play, compete, and grow.

Welcome to the ultimate summer experience for children who are excited to make friends and learn new swimming skills! Designed for children ages 5–18, the Water Otters operate in Lake Wildwood and are open to all Nevada County residents. The team offers a dynamic, high-fun environment for children and their families.

Whether your children are trying a sport for the very first time or are hoping to level-up their swimming skills, they will stay active, build confidence, and make lasting friendships—all while discovering what they love.

The team helps foster a sense of sportsmanship and encourages the development of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. It is a joy for everyone involved- parents and children alike!

❊ FAQs

You do not! The Water Otters are open to any Nevada County residents.
Cost for the entire 2025 summer season for residents of Lake Wildwood is $225, and for non-residents of Lake Wildwood is $250.
We do everything we can to keep costs minimal. The fee covers insurance, pool rental, head coach salary and team equipment.
The team does one Splash for Cash fundraiser to help subsidize additional costs.
Not to worry- there is only one Michael Phelps on this planet!
The primary focus of the Water Otters is to help build confidence in your children. While there is a competitive dimension through meets, we encourage swimmers to focus on improving their own individual performance and cheering on others- both in and out of the pool.
A swim test will occur before the season starts which ensures that all swimmers are water safe- they absolutely are NOT required to know how to do all strokes (I mean, how many of you parents can do butterfly?!!).
We require each family cover between 3-5 volunteer shifts (the final number is based on how many swimmers participate in a given season- the more families we have, the fewer shifts for everyone… tell your friends about Water Otters!).
Volunteering is fun for parents and a great way for the whole family to participate in the community!
There is a cash opt-out option should the time commitment not work for your family.
While we do believe that every additional practice helps develop the skills of your child, we completely understand that families may have some conflicting summer plans and commitments.
We do ask that each swimmer attend at least 3 swim meets during the season. Swim meet schedule for 2026 can be found here.
Practices take place Monday through Thursday evenings from late May- late July.
Practices are primarily Monday through Thursday. The 2025 season had the following schedule:
5-5:40pm for 8 & under; 5:40-6:30pm for 9-10 year olds; 6:30-8pm for 11 years and older. Friday practice was from 11:30-1:15pm.
There are a total of 5 swim meets and 1 championship that occur on Saturdays in late June to late July. They are typically completed by 1pm.
Registration for the season and declaring your swimmer for meets (and many other useful links!) can be found HERE.

You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers!

One Team. One Community.

Unlimited Fun.

Young boy in swimming goggles climbing out of a swimming pool, viewed through a metal ladder.

Group of young girls in swimsuits celebrating and laughing together outdoors at a swim meet or pool event, some wearing swim caps.

Swimmer in a swimming pool adjusting goggles while sitting on the pool edge.

Loved by parents and swimmers alike.

The Water Otters have been an amazing place for our girls to learn how to be stronger swimmers, make friends, and build our community. We have endless praise for the program!

— Shanni W., Parent

“

My daughter has learned how to be a good team member and how to do all of the strokes through the program. We are so thankful to have the opportunity to be part of this team!

— Amy B., Parent