July 20, 2026, marks the start of practice for artistic swimming, an annual program that gives young swimmers the opportunity to combine swimming, dance, teamwork and creativity as they learn a choreographed routine that culminates in a special performance during Friendly's Labor Day celebration.

Whether your child is returning for another season or interested in trying artistic swimming for the first time, they're invited to join us for another fun-filled summer (provided they can swim independently and tread water).

Participants of varying ages and experience levels are welcome with performance groups based on age, ability and participation.

Coach Donna Maistros succeeds Erin Harris, a beloved member of the Friendly Park Swim & Tennis community who is stepping back this season from her involvement with artistic swimming. She'll be joined by assistants who are familiar faces around the pool.

Practices

• July 20-Aug. 21 (Monday-Friday): Swimmers with 2 or less years of experience arrive NO EARLIER than 8:45 a.m. with practice from 9-10 a.m.; swimmers with 3+ years of experience practice from 10-11 a.m.
• Beginning the week of Aug. 24, after Guilford County Schools resumes classes, practices will be held during regular pool hours based on the schedules of participants in each performance group and the availability of their coach.

sportsYou Team Channel

• Download the sportsYou app (if you haven't already) and use the code ZTYF-BFS7 to join the Artistic Swimming channel. This is where you'll receive real-time updates from the team that will be sent to your phone as a notification and to your email. Instructions for downloading the app are available here. 

Final Performance 

• Monday, Sept. 7, during Friendly's Labor Day celebration.

Registration

To provide greater structure for participants, simplify planning for families and coaches, and better support the program's expenses, we are introducing a formal registration process this year. You can register at this link.

• July 20-31: Children are welcome to attend practices with no obligation while families learn more about the program and coaches begin organizing performance groups.
• Beginning Aug. 2: All participants must be registered through Friendly's online registration portal (the same system used for the swim team) before participating in practices.

The registration fee is $100 per participant and includes the performance swim suit expense. The fee also helps offset coaching expenses while streamlining a process that makes it easier for families and ensuring every swimmer is ready for the Labor Day show.

In keeping with Coach Erin's tradition, suits will still be selected by each group to ensure they fit the theme of the routine.