The members of Swim BC are formally defined within our bylaws as swimmers, coaches, and clubs. Swim BC is recognized by viaSport and the Government of BC as the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) responsible for the governance of competitive swimming in BC. Swim BC is also a member of Swimming Canada, the National Sport Organization (NSO). This relationship provides our membership access to Swimming Canada-sanctioned events and the Swimming Canada Registration, Registration and Event Management System (REMS). As a PSO, Swim BC is required to report on membership to support accountabilities for government funding. Statistics obtained from the data collected in the “REMS” are fundamental to this process. With our member’s diligence, we can comply with our requirements and continue to benefit from government support, a significant portion of which is directed toward the support of swimmers, coaches, and clubs.
The registration process is also the mitigation and management of risk. Insurance coverage is directly tied to the rights of membership, and as such individuals from all participant categories must appear and be appropriately registered to receive this benefit.
CLUB APPLICATION
All Swim BC Club programs must reapply for membership on an annual basis. To become a member of Swim BC clubs must provide evidence of adherence to basic standards of governance and BC Societies Act compliance, essential club policies and standards required to maintain insurance and adhere to our funding partner accountabilities.
2026-2027 Swim BC Club Application information was sent to Club Presidents on May 29th, 2026. If you are seeking information regarding the Club Application process for the 2026-2027 season, please first check in with your Club President. If you have questions, please contact Jamie Dahlman, Membership & Administrative Coordinator, at jamie.dahlman@swimbc.ca
Societies Documents & Maintenance
Swimming Canada Required Forms
Volunteer Criminal Record Check Template
Policies
Swim BC requires all clubs to have the following policies in place at the club level:
- Code of Conduct and Ethics
- Athlete Protection Policy
- Travel Policy
- Discipline and Complaints Policy
- Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Policy
- Appeals Policy
For policy templates or questions, please reach out to Hughanna Gaw
Change in Club Personnel Contact Information Form
Please complete the form below to notify Swim BC of any changes to Club Personnel Contact Information within 14 days, including updates to the following positions:
- Board of Directors including position titles (e.g., President, Vice President, Treasurer, Director at Large)
- Club Registrar
- Individual responsible for payment admin (if different from the Treasurer)
- Head Coach
- Club Officials Administrator
SWIMMER REGISTRATION
REGULAR ANNUAL REGISTRATION
Swimmers must be registered in the REMS System annually. Swimmers must be fully registered with a Swim BC member club to have access to Swim BC or Swimming Canada sanctioned competitions. Registration must be completed within two weeks (14 days) of commencing participation. Swimmers may only register with a club within the provincial boundary of their permanent residence (For exceptions, please contact Swim BC).
Masters swimmers: find more information HERE
SWIM BC SPECIFIC PROGRAMMING (Outside of REMS)
Recreational Masters, Swim School and Swim Fit
Recreational Masters
A sessional registration category for non-competitive Masters swimmers, allowing swimmers to train with a registered club while remaining non-competitive. This flexible, low-cost option supports participation and allows recreational and competitive swimmers to train together.
Swim School
This sessional registration category recognizes that annual registration for entry level is limiting and does not provide clubs with the flexibility to appropriately introduce the sport to entry level participants. Swim School is based on a “sessional” model and is intended to provide a flexible, cost-effective and accessible entry to our sport.
Swim Fit
Similar to Swim School, Swim Fit is a sessional registration category clubs can use to promote a non-competitive opportunity to pre-teen and teen swimmers looking to maximize their fitness. Clubs can use off-peak pool time to fill opportunities to grow their club services and membership reach.
There are four sessions in the swimming season and swimmers must be registered for each session they participate in. The registration is $10 per swimmer for each session. If you require any further information please contact admin@swimbc.ca.
To register Recreational Masters, Swim School or Swim Fit participants, click the button below.
Dogwood (Unattached masters swimmers)
Individuals who live in communities where there is not a masters club, or who do not wish to be a part of a formal club, may join the Dogwood Swim Club, Swim BC’s unattached masters club. Unattached masters swimmers do not receive formal coaching and are responsible for their own training and submission of their own competition entries.
To register as an independent ‘unattached’ Swimmer, please submit the following information through our online registration form:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Email Address
To register as a Dogwood Swimmer, click the button below.
COACH REGISTRATION
All Coaches must be a minimum of 15 years of age to actively coach in a Swimming Canada or Swim BC (swim school/swim fit) affiliated program and be registered in the REMS.
All coaches must be registered in REMS or via the Swim School/Swim Fit Registration form within 2 weeks (14 days) of commencing activity.
Coach registrations are valid from September 1st, to August 31st.
For All Coach Registration Requirements, click HERE
Swim School & Swim Fit
Coaches of non-competitive swimmers in club-based swim schools, swimming lessons, sessional recreation programs, or club-based fitness, teen fitness, or recreational programs are registered outside of REMS. These coaches must be registered in conjunction with Swim School/Swim Fit participants. The cost of registration is $52 annually. If you require any further information please contact admin@swimbc.ca.
To register Swim School/Swim Fit coaches, click the button below.
OFFICIALS REGISTRATION
Officials are registered through the REMS annually by the Club Officials Director. Officials do not pay a fee to register. Registration allows officials to track their officiating certifications and officiate at sanctioned competitions. The club official’s director must fill out an Additional User form and the Registration System Access Compliance Declaration to gain access to the REMS system.
For Officials Requirements, click HERE
The Swim BC office is located on the unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking people known today as the Songhees, the SXIMELEL (Esquimalt) and the WSÁNEĆ First Nations.
Swim BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Thank you to our valued sponsors for your continued support of Swim BC:
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