Pacific Coast Swimming: A Family of Champions

Pacific Coast Swimming (PCS) is an athlete-focused, professionally-led and parent-supported swim club, committed to having swimmers at all levels achieve their full athletic potential. From early learners to international competitors, PCS provides a clear pathway for development within a supportive, competitive environment. We are proudly affiliated with the University of Victoria Vikes Swim Program, through the UVic-Pacific Coast Swimming Association (UVPCS).

Founded in 2002 by Ron Jacks, Rod Barratt, and Mark Lancaster, PCS began with 64 swimmers. The same year, the first Xmas Cracker swim meet was held in December, which has grown to become one of the largest meets in Western Canada year after year. 

PCS quickly became one of BC’s leading clubs, earning Swim BC Club of the Year in 2007 and again in 2015. By 2008, the club had grown to over 300 swimmers, and in 2012, PCS athlete Richard Weinberger won an Olympic bronze medal in the 10 km open-water event at the London Games. From 2014 to 2017, PCS dominated provincially, capturing six consecutive AAA Provincial Championships and the women’s team banner at the 2015 Age Group National Championships.

During the 2020–2021 pandemic, PCS adapted and expanded, nearly doubling in size as programs spread across nine pools in Greater Victoria. Today, PCS serves over 1,200 swimmers and employs more than 50 professional staff, continuing a proud legacy of excellence, community, and opportunity in swimming.

UVPCS athletes have excelled at every level—from provincial podiums to international stages. Highlights include:

  • BC Swim Club of the Year (2007, 2015)
  • Age Group National Women’s Team Champions (2015)
  • 6x AAA Provincial Championships (2014–2017)
  • Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, Pan American, and FISU medalists

Program Structure

Competitive Age Groups:

  • Development Group (10 & under): Intro to training and competition
  • Provincial Group (10–12): Increased volume and continued skill development
  • Senior Group (13–18): Focused on high-performance development
  • National Group (12+): Invitation-only training for elite athletes

Lightning Fast Swim Series (LFSS): A five-level learn-to-swim program for ages 4–10, emphasizing skill development and stroke fundamentals.

Additional Streams:

  • Varsity Program: In partnership with UVic Vikes
  • Open Water Training: PCS has a proud tradition of open water success
  • Fitness & Conditioning: Recreational option for ages 12–18
  • School F.A.S.T. League: Annual school-based swim league with 250–500 participants
  • Summer Swim Camps: these swimming focused camps offer an opportunity for children to be introduced to competitive swimming and improve their strokes during the summer break.
  • Swim & Dive Programs:  In partnership with Boardworks Diving, this unique program introduces competitive swimming and diving in a safe and fun environment