BLSS has two kinds of swim teams: the Club Team and the Varsity Team. Club Team members are usually members of the sports club venue (e.g. Alabang Country Club). Fortunately, there are some sports clubs who allow non-members to join as long as they have a friend who is a member and willing to be their sponsor. In this case, the non-member will have to pay for the pool fees (ranging from P100 to P200 per use) on top of their enrollment fee. Some schools also have a “Club Program” which allows students not enrolled in their school to join (e.g. Elizabeth Seton School, Las Piñas).

The "Varsity Program" is different in such a way that the members must be enrolled in the school to be able to join. The Club Teams also compete in the league hosted by the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA). Participants get the chance to be a member of the national team as long as they achieve the qualifying time. Some of the members of these clubs are even recruited by top colleges and universities for UAAP and NCAA tournaments and awarded scholarships.

BLSS is a "child-friendly" organization, and our teams and clubs focus on encouraging the kids to learn more about the sport in a positive way. Having fun is a priority when we expose the children to a competition, and we always start with fun meets for the young ones. A competitive environment will only be detrimental to the kids if the sole objective is to win.

There are other more important objectives to teach the kids, like good teamwork, developing positive attitudes towards opponents, respect for officials and fellow competitors, and experiencing the rewards of hard work. Our coaches emphasize that each child is a winner for as long as they do their best and accept the results with the right attitude and a motivation to do better next time. This can help develop determination and diligence in the child.

There are two ways to join. One is by becoming a member of one of our varsity or club teams. We are affiliated with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association(PASA), the national governing body of swimming in the Philippines that runs majority of the races in the country.

Another way is to directly apply for membership with PASA as an "unattached" swimmer. This means that you are not a member of any club or varsity team and will be representing yourself in the races. However, it will be advisable to check the strokes of your child if it conforms with the PASA rules so as to avoid getting disqualified in races. At any rate, it is always advisable to be part of a team so that the competition becomes wholesome and a positive experience for the child.

Sports and academics, when balanced, are a great combination for a wholesome education. In fact, parents have reported that their children have become more disciplined in their studies ever since they joined a swim team. They are able to manage their time and organize their daily schedule better.

You can strike a good balance by making sure homework or projects are done as soon as they get dismissed from school or during breaks. They can continue after training while their adrenalin juices are still flowing. Just make sure the kids have 7-8 full hours of sleep to recharge them for the next day. We also see to it that during exams or finals week, training is set aside so that the kids can focus on reviewing.

There are a lot of swim team members that are a bit overweight, yet some are very strong swimmers. At first they would feel uneasy just wearing swim trunks, but after one session, self-conscious children (we’ve had a few) would suddenly forget his/her insecurities because nobody really takes notice – after all, he is in good company. Before he knows it he’s too busy enjoying the water and learning at the same time to remember to be shy. Eventually, with the rigors of regular training and proper diet, he will have a well-toned physique.

Then again, if he’s really conscious at the beginning, let him try some jammers or cycling shorts type swim suits. He can also wear a "rash guard" (round neck top made of nylon or spandex material). Both must be skin tight in order for the body to glide freely in the water. This usually works.