Birmingham Iron Otters
Who Are We?
Our summer league is dedicated to developing strong and confident youth in an out of the water. With staff with decades of performance and on-deck experience, we're passionate about helping swimmers build confidence, improve their skills, and enjoy friendly competition in a supportive team environment.
Whether you're trying to test the competitive side of a new sport, add some low-pressure fun to a year-round competition schedule, or anywhere in between, the Birmingham Iron Otters is the place for you!
Keep reading for all the information you could need about your child's new favorite summer tradition!
Training Groups, Practice Times and Meet Schedules
Practices will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at the Lakeshore Foundation with times between 5-7 pm. Specific practice groups will vary on start time and practice duration, and your child's group will be assigned after an evaluation of their swimming ability.
For specific group practice times and meet schedules, please navigate to the corresponding tabs in the top right corner under the "Summer League" dropdown menu for updated information.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
At this time, Birmingham Iron Otters has limited pool space and will only be accepting swimmers who are able to complete an unassisted 25 yard freestyle or backstroke. We are always happy to refer you to local swim developmental programs if your child is not quite there yet.
Evaluations
Birmingham Iron Otters is now taking new swimmers for the 2026 season, and we'd love to have you! To evaluate your swimmer for optimal placement on this team, please email Coach James Barber for details on evaluations.
CoachJamesBarber@gmail.com
*Please note that this evaluation will test your swimmer's ability to complete an unassisted 25 yard freestyle or backstroke - a skill currently required for Iron Otters admission.
Cost breakdown
Total Cost:
Birmingham Swim League Members: $16 + Spirit Pack
Non-Members: *$271 + Spirit Pack
*Total cost is $296 if you opt for the payment plan
Sign-Up Fee:
- Upfront payment: $225
- 2 Monthly Payments of $125
*The sign-up fee will be waved for all registered Birmingham Swim League members.
Jefferson Shelby Swim Council (JSSC) Registration Fee:
- Mandatory $16
This is a required fee for all registered members of Iron Otters.
Flex USA Swimming Membership Fee:
- $30
This is a mandatory fee to allow swimmers the chance to compete in USA swimming competitions (*excluding championship meets like Southeasterns).
*The USA Swimming Membership fee will be waved for all registered Birmingham Swim League Members
Spirit Pack:
Cost Information to Come Soon!
To Include:
An Iron Otters swim cap, swim suit, and t-shirt for your athlete.
How to Get Started
Are you ready to dive into this season with us? Please follow the steps below to register your child for the 2026 summer season - we can't wait to see you on deck!
Step 1: Sign up for the Iron Otters
*This step is for all interested members (including BSL swimmers).
Step 2: Register your child for the Flex USA Swimming Membership using your membership login info from Step 1.
*Skip this step if the child to be registered is a current BSL swimmer
Step 3: Register your child with the Jefferson Shelby Swim Council (JSSC)
*This step is for all interested members (including BSL swimmers).
Registration link to come soon!
Step 4: Purchase the Spirit Pack!
More Information, including parent spirit gear, coming soon!
Have Questions Before Registering?
Reach out! We want to hear from you. Whether you have a question about registration, our philosophy, or want to see if swimming is a good sport for your child, we are happy to chat.
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