The Covington YMCA Winter Swim Team has been gearing up for their first meet of the season against Walter and Andrew YMCA at Oxford College on Saturday at 3 p.m. For three years the YMCA has offered a Summer Swim Team, but this is the first year swimming is offered as a year-round competitive sport.

"I love it," said head coach Erin Gorman.

Working with the kids and watching them grow into competitive swimmers has Gorman excited about the season.

"We have had 85 kids swimming with our Summer Swim Team and they have been very successful in their meets. We are excited to be able to offer this sport throughout the year," said Covington YMCA Interim Executive Director Louly Hay-Kapp.

There are currently 47 swimmers from ages 5 to 18 who are competing on Saturday, and there are still spaces available for those who are interested. The swimmer must be able to swim the length of the pool, and strokes and turns are taught later by the instructors.

The Winter Swim Team practices at Oxford College Sundays from 5-6 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. and meet on Saturdays at Oxford College against other YMCAs in the region.