Who We Are
Ottawa's Inclusive Swim Club
The Ottawa Rideau Speedeaus d'Ottawa is an inclusive masters swim club with a difference: it is primarily a gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer and two-spirited swim club, but welcomes everyone including members from the straight community. Our main purpose is to help members reach their swimming goals, be they for recreation, fitness or competition. Our swim lanes are organized by level of ability, offering a place for everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned competitor. Previous competitive swimming experience is not a prerequisite and members participate in competitions only if they choose to do so.We value swimming in a diverse, fun, open, trustful, safe and supportive environment. We foster connection and friendship through social and swimming activities. We are committed to creating a welcoming, non-discriminatory environment, and encourage the participation of gender diverse people, people of colour, linguistic and cultural minorities, and people with disabilities. Our experienced coaches will help you reach your goals. We offer regular swim practices. We ask that, as a minimum, new swimmers are comfortable in deep water and have some knowledge of swimming. Special Learn-to Swim programs are held from time to time for budding swimmers not yet ready to attend regular practices. Swim Clinics are held to improve swimming technique and Private Lessons are available for those who want more one-on-one attention. Enjoy your time with the Speedeaus. We're always looking for new people.
Our Team
Our Coaches
Jason Boivin
Head Coach
Jason swam competitively for over 16 years up to nationally for Pointe-Claire Swim Club, then for McGill and now competes in triathlons recreationally. His coaching is driven by his passion for helping others succeed in a meaningful way. It started during the summers in Montreal’s West Island in his teens and began again at the end of his undergrad. Upon graduating, he decided to pursue coaching full-time as a career. Since then, Jason has amassed over a decade of experience coaching adults at all levels, from brand-new swimmers to Olympic swimmers, both on the pool deck and in the gym. He has been the head swim coach at the McGill Masters club, the McGill Triathlon club, and his club (JBFS) on top of coaching varsity for eight years between McGill and uOttawa. He is senior coach certified (level 3) and received the chartered designation in 2019. Jason moved to Ottawa that same year to pursue a master’s degree in Human Kinetics with a concentration in Intervention and Consultation from uOttawa. Upon completion, he worked as a Mental Performance Consultant with various Team Canada teams supporting them in their Olympic pursuits. He stepped away from sport to pursue a start-up opportunity in the sport and tech spaces. While doing this, he is happy to continue his passion for coaching with the Rideau Speedeaus.
Marie L Charron
Learn to Swim Coach
Maria-Lynne feels fortunate to have been involved in a myriad of aquatic activities and experiences. A former swim instructor and lifeguard, she has also coached artistic swimming, and is an NCCP level one swim coach. Her favourite stroke is the front crawl, as she is very keen on the flutter kick. She also really enjoys and appreciates all the different components of the stroke, and the methods in which the various constituents merge together for a seamless and fluid experience. In her estimation, swimming truly is poetry in motion.
Tarek Raafat
Coach
Tarek swam competitively up to the international level starting with the Saint John Swim Club, then University of Toronto, Ottawa GO Kingfish and finishing with Carleton University. He held numerous NB age group records and medalled at National Championships. He taught swimming lessons as a teenager and after university coached the Carleton varsity team off and on for 13 years. He is a level 2 certified swim coach. Tarek worked for the federal government in information management at Statistics Canada, NRC and IDRC. He joined the Rideau Speedeaus 10 years ago to get back in a regular swimming routine and coaches on an "as needed" basis for the club. He enjoys helping people improve their technique, fitness and competitive skills.
Magali Mouton
Coach
My favorite stroke is breaststroke and distance 200. I like swim meets, because I learn from it: how to push myself harder and have fun with it no matter what. But I also like practices because I get to see my friends! With classes swimming is my main social time and I love it!
Dylan Bardy
Coach
Dylan grew up swimming and completed all of the Aqua Quest, life saving, and instructing courses offered by the City of Brampton. He was introduced to competitive swimming through a pre-competitive program called Olympic Way offered at McMurchy and Balmoral pools. Dylan re-ignited his passion for swimming by joining the team at Mayfield Secondary School, followed by joining the provincial-level squad of the Cobra Swim Club where he additionally taught a pre-competitive program. After another ten year hiatus, Dylan joined the Rideau Speedeaus as a training athlete and coach of the Learn to Swim program. Dylan's favourite stroke is breaststroke, and he likes to focus on stroke technique during his practice.
Emily Masters
Coach
Emily is passionate about helping swimmers thrive! A former provincial swimmer, swim coach, and mental performance consultant for swimming and artistic swimming, she brings a well-rounded, energetic approach to the pool. Say hi to her on the deck, she is always happy to chat and cheer you on!
Want to Coach for the Rideau Speedeaus?...
The Rideau Speedeaus are always on the lookout for new part-time coaches to be able to maintain and expand our programming. We have a number of vacancies listed below in order of qualifications and experience required:
- Learn to Swim – Beginner Level – experience teaching beginner level swimmers required
- Learn to Swim – Stroke Improvement – experience teaching stroke improvement required
- Private Lessons – experience teaching stroke improvement required
- Regular swim coach - experience coaching swim practices required with NCCP Level 1 or above preferred
Experience coaching adults is an asset. Compensation is offered based on NCCP certification level and experience. Please submit your resume with your qualifications and experience to coaching@rideauspeedeaus.com indicating what position(s) that you are interested in.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is voted on at the AGM each year. According to the Club’s By-laws, the Board is composed of 3-5 Directors. To be on the Board you must be a club member in good standing. The Board is a working board where the executive: president, treasurer and secretary are all members of the Board. The Board meets with the coordinators, usually monthly, to make decisions on the policies, direction and the operation of the club.
Tarek Raafat
President
Treasurer
Peter Hunter
Secretary
Coordinators
The operations of the club are made possible by volunteers taking on lead roles of coordinators to ensure the smooth functioning of the club. The President appoints volunteers to the coordinator positions.
Past President
Registration
Norman Fyfe
Coaching
Dylan Bardy
Communications
Newsletter
Vacant
Team Gear
Social Events
Vacant
Fundraising
Vacant
Competitions
Jonathan Critch
Stéphane McCartin
Website
Tyler Rowsell
Outreach
Marie L Charron
Social Media
Vacant
Pride
Peter Hunter
Photos
Open Water
Learn to Swim
Dylan Bardy
Swim Programs
Tarek Raafat
Pool Time
Tarek Raafat
Translations
Swim Eau-Thon
Vacant
Volunteers
Volunteers are people who want to help the Rideau Speedeaus with their mission but do not necessarily need to be members of the club. They contribute as much or as little time as they are comfortable with. We recognize that people have other commitments, and the club will support people to achieve all their goals in life.
- Coordinators – leading role positions appointed by the President to carry out key on-going functions of the club
- Special Events Lead – leading role positions appointed by the President to carry out a one-time or annual event
- Support – other volunteers to help Coordinators or Special Events Leads to complete required tasks
To apply to volunteer with the Rideau Speedeaus, send an email to info@rideauspeedeaus.com outlining which of the above roles you are interested in and/or what skills you are offering to help the club with its mission.
Governance
Mission
The Rideau Speedeaus mission is:
- to promote the sport of swimming and the health, well-being and resilience of the LGBTQ2+ communities in the National Capital Region;
- to create safe, fun, inclusive and positive spaces for LGBTQ2+ people and allies of all skill levels to participate in recreational, fitness and competitive swimming activities;
- to provide opportunities for friendship, camaraderie and connection among members; and
- to cooperate with and support other like-minded organizations, groups and individuals with aims consistent with the Speedeaus and the LGBTQ2+ communities.
History
In 1990, several members of the gay men’s sports club Club Moustache discussed that they would like to have a swimming group and so the Ottawa Rideau Speedeaus swim club was formed. From the beginning the founder, Sandy Beeman, made the decision that the club would be an inclusive space for LGBTQ2+ people and their allies. The first “Swimmers in Heats” swim meet was held in 1993, attracting teams on the queer swimming circuit from the US and Canada during the 1990s and 2000s and was especially well-known for the post-swim dance parties. This foundation for a welcoming queer space has led to the evolution of the club as it exists today. The club was incorporated as a federal not-for-profit organization in 2023.