Living between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, we know firsthand how vital strong swimming skills are for families in our region. Childhood here is defined by water: river days, fishing off the pier, boat trips, birthday parties at the pool, and fossil hunting along the river. These experiences make our community special, but they also remind us that swimming is a lifesaving skill.
The Dahlgren Sharks have been a summer staple in our community since 1966. For 60 years, we have watched generations of swimmers grow on our pool deck. Transitioning from tentative first-timers to confident competitors, and from nervous kids to inspiring leaders.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit and proud member of the Rappahannock Swim League (RSL), we focus on more than just trophies. We are teaching kids to be safe, independent, and ready to enjoy everything our beautiful region has to offer.
Our Mission
Make summer swimming a positive, transformative experience for every swimmer.
The Dahlgren Sharks is an educational organization first and foremost! Yes, we teach proper freestyle technique and the intricacies of a flip turn, but we’re really teaching so much more:
Perseverance
Through morning practices and tough workouts, and the ups and downs of competition, swimmers learn to push through challenges. Learning that progress takes time and effort, that showing up consistently, even when it’s hard, leads to real growth. Whether it’s shaving a few seconds off a race time or mastering a new stroke, perseverance is built one lap at a time.
Sportsmanship
Swim team provides daily opportunities to practice grace and humility. Our swimmers learn to celebrate others’ victories, offer encouragement after tough races, and treat competitors with respect. These moments build character and teach kids how to win and lose with dignity. From shaking hands after races to cheering for rival teams, our swimmers learn that respect and kindness go hand in hand with competition.
Team Spirit
From cheering on teammates to participating in relays, swimmers experience the power of community. They learn that their energy and support can lift others up, and that being part of a team means showing up for each other, not just for themselves.
Personal Growth
Improvement in swimming is measurable and deeply rewarding. Whether it’s mastering a new stroke, dropping time, or simply finishing a challenging relay, swimmers see firsthand how effort leads to progress. This builds confidence and a sense of achievement that carries far beyond the pool. We help kids discover their strengths, overcome fears, and set goals they never thought possible.
Our Values
Respect starts with listening and extends to every pool deck we visit.
We honor our coaches, teammates, officials, and ourselves. From following instructions to cleaning up after themselves, respect is a daily practice that defines who we are.
Positivity fuels everything we do.
We celebrate personal bests and tough races with equal enthusiasm. Our swimmers hear constant encouragement because positivity builds resilience, motivation, and an environment where everyone feels valued.
Inclusivity means everyone belongs here.
We welcome swimmers of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels. Every contribution counts, every voice matters, and every family becomes part of our Sharks community.
Fun is non-negotiable.
From themed practices to post-meet celebrations, we ensure joy is woven into every experience. When kids are having fun, they naturally grow in confidence, connection, and love for the sport.
Our Philosophy
Every Swimmer Matters
We provide every child with the opportunity to compete. We believe that every moment in the water is a moment of improvement.
Growth Over Glory
We celebrate personal bests just as loudly as first-place finishes, for our team and theirs. Sportsmanship shapes our swimmers more than ribbons do.
Developing Leaders
We believe the pool deck is a classroom for life. Beyond shaving seconds off a clock, our swimmers learn to lead by example, mentoring younger teammates, taking ownership of their progress, and representing the Dahlgren Sharks with integrity. We aren’t just building faster swimmers; we are building confident leaders who may eventually serve and lead our local community.
Family Involvement
Our meets run on “Family Power.” Parent volunteers make our meets possible, allowing swimmers to focus on their best while families remain their biggest fans!