Swimming has been an important part of our club’s magical history. Our club pool was first built in 1953 and a program was developed after a young Bill Harmer, a local teacher and coach, was hired as the director of pool activities at then Lakewood Country Club. Initially Harmer’s primary duties were to teach lessons but as his students began to grow into strong young swimmers, the idea for a swim team evolved and Harmer was asked to be the coach. As a swim coach, Harmer worked hard to teach kids life lessons far beyond winning and strived for each student to be “good sports” with discipline and good behavior. Harmer was quoted as saying “what I found out was that I had very devoted swimmers who showed me that devotion and it felt wonderful.” Harmer’s work ethic is legendary, and he taught thousands to swim for over 35 years as a water safety enthusiast and competitive coach in St. Petersburg.

Today that tradition continues through our participation in the Private Club League and Pinellas Aquatic League as St. Petersburg Country Club’s “Storm Swim Team.” This team is a part of Florida Swimming, and swimmers are registered with USA Swimming. This seasonal team offers quality coaching for kids from the ages of 5 up to 18 years of age, spanning various skill levels with regular practices and up to 12 meets annually. League partners include Tampa Yacht Club, Palma Ceia, Carlouel Yacht Club, Lakeland Country Club, Belleair Country Club, Carrollwood Country Club, and Countryside.

If you are interested in being a part of The Storm Swim Team, please complete the forms below.