Rutherford Water Rats

The Rutherford Area Swim Club (RASCC) hosts The Rutherford Swim and Dive Teams, members of the Northern Virginia Swimming League (NVSL). The Water Rats are entering their 60th season!

Water Rat -- /ˈwôdər rat,ˈwädər rat/ n 1. kids who love summer swimming & diving; 2. kids who take their time getting out of the pool during break time; 3. kids who avoid lifeguard "benching" at all costs; 4. role models for younger Water Rats; 5. mascot of RFD swim & dive club; 6. adult form of definitions 1 thru 4; 7. supporter of RFD. 

The purpose of the swim and dive team programs are to develop a love for the sport, to develop and improve aquatic skills and technique, team building, and establish a respect for good sportsmanship through local NVSL competition. We are a social club that has fun, while teaching leadership, community involvement, as well as swimming and diving.

The Rutherford Little Rats is our developmental program for swimmers ages 4 through 6!

Click practice schedule for Swimming and Diving practice times.

Registration is open for summer 2026!

For more information, please contact Rebecca Arguello and Stuart Williams (Swim Team Reps) or Kathy Burns (Dive Team Rep).

Swim Team: Division 16

Dive Team: Division 5

The Rutherford Area Swim Club (RASCC) hosts both swim and dive teams with an emphasis on appropriate technique, team building, and preparation for local competition with nearby community pools. Our coaches and staff run a summer program that’s fun and challenging for all levels!

Who Can Join the Water Rats?

The swim and dive teams are open to children of Rutherford Area Swim Club members. Join the Pool!

If your friends belong to another NVSL pool and do not have a dive team, they can join the RFD dive team (NVSL bylaw Article VI, Section 2.a)

Participation Requirements

Water Rats Swim Team (Ages 6*-18): At the discretion of the Team Rep, children who can swim one length (25 meters) of the pool unassisted and can follow coach instruction are accepted as swim team members. Children who are 9 and older must be able to complete two lengths (50 meters) to compete in meets. All interested children are encouraged to come and be evaluated.

Little Rats Developmental Swim Team (Ages 4-6*): The Little Rats program is a developmental team that teaches foundational swim skills to develop swimmers as they prepare to continue progressing into competitive swimming at the Water Rats level. Coaches work with swimmers throughout the season to participate in the 10 meter kick, 10 meter freestyle and 10 meter backstroke. These events take place at “B” meets and some “A” meets. Based on skill and ability, Little Rat swimmers are encouraged to progress to 25 meter freestyle and 25 meter backstroke. Any child 8 and under who needs assistance to complete a pool length may be asked to swim in the Little Rats program.

Water Rats Dive Team: Previous dive experience is not required; however, the child must be able to pass the pool swim test. In order to compete in the Dive “A” meet the divers must be able to perform the required dives for their age group.

Please remember that swim and dive teams are not lessons! Practices come with entry level requirements. Please feel free to discuss your child’s swim skill level with the Team Reps if you have any questions. 

Registration will be done via Swimtopia. Fees are based on the number of activities per family according to the following schedule: 

Swim and Dive Team Registration fees for the 2026 season will be refunded in full if requested in writing prior to June 7, 2026. Requests for refund should be submitted to: RASCC Treasurer, 4609 Marley Road, Fairfax, VA 22032

Volunteer Hours: A commitment from each family to volunteer during the season is essential to make things run smoothly for the team. All skills and positive personalities are welcome! Families are asked to volunteer at least 8 shifts to assist the swim team; 6 shifts to assist the dive team; or 14 shifts if on both swim and dive teams.

Swim meets require a large volunteer staff of over 40 people to time, officiate, and score. We need you! Meet officials receive free certification training at NVSL Officials Clinics held each year. Please consider attending if you’re interested in any official duties (see Swim Team Volunteer Job Descriptions, Team Contacts, and the 2026 NVSL Swim Officials Clinic Schedule).

Communication

Come to parent info night and team swag reveal on Sunday, April 26th at 3:00p at the pool. Communicating with parents and team members is done primarily through email and this website. Team Reps will be present at practices to discuss issues in person.