Bethesda Barracudas

Established in 1982, the Bethesda Barracudas are a summer swim team sponsored by Montgomery County Recreation that swims at the Bethesda Outdoor Pool near downtown Bethesda, Maryland. We compete in Division B of the Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL)

Parents who are interested in joining our team, see the sections below, and the 'FAQs' page. Registration information for the upcoming season will be posted in the 'News' section to the right when it is available, typically in late April or early May.

Information about the Program, Meets, Policies, etc. can be found in the MCR Aquatics - MCSL General Information Handbook

For more information about the team and the program, see the 'FAQs' or 'About Barracudas' pages

When the pool is closed due to weather/etc. practices and/or swim meets may be cancelled. Notifications are sent out via Alert Montgomery sign up to receive this information as soon as it is available

To view and sign up for Montgomery County Recreation Department programs, visit www.ActiveMontgomery.com

For more information about the Montgomery County Recreation Department, visit www.MoCoRec.com

Registration is closed for 2025, no more swimmers will be able to join the team

Q: How do I join the Barracudas Swim team?

• If you were not on the team last year, you must attend one of the New Swimmer Evaluations at the pool. It is recommended that you also attend the Parent Meeting for information about the team and the season
• Evaluations are the Tuesday and Friday after Memorial Day, at the pool, at 5 PM
• The Parent Meeting is held the Tuesday after Memorial Day, at the pool, RAIN or SHINE, at 7 PM
• If you pass the evaluation, you must register. See the next question

Q: How do I register for the Barracudas Swim team?

• You will need to register in 2 places

1. With Montgomery County
   • Registration typically opens in mid-May
   • New Swimmers will need to do this in-person at the pool, after attending an Evaluation and being accepted to the team
   • Returning Swimmers are able to register online before Memorial Day at ActiveMontgomery
   • After Memorial Day, returning Swimmers will need to register in-person:
     • A cashier will be available at the Outdoor Pool during evaluations and the first few weeks of practices
     • At any of the Montgomery County Indoor Pools when they are open
2. On this website. When Registration is open, there will be a button at the top of the page. It typically opens around the same time as the Montgomery County Registration

• You must complete both steps before being able to swim at Practices/Meets

Q: What are the age and swim requirements to join the team?

• Swimmers must be between 5 - 18 years old, based on your age as of June 1st.
• 8 and under - swim one continuous length of the pool (25 meters) using a coordinated stroke and rhythmic breathing, and be able to float on your back
• 9-12 years old - swim one continuous length (25 meters) of freestyle using a coordinated stroke and rhythmic breathing, and one continuous length of backstroke
• 13 and over - swim two continuous lengths (50 meters) of freestyle with coordinated stroke and rhythmic breathing, and two continuous lengths of backstroke
• We do not offer "pre-team" Information about Montgomery County Swim Lessons is available Here

Refund/Withdrawal Policy

• All MCR programs (including MCSL) are subject to the County Refund Policy, which can be found here
• After the start date of the program (listed on www.ActiveMontgomery.com) no refunds will be given