Dreaming of splashing in the pool? check out the Dowling Riptide program

by Diocese of Des Moines | January 26, 2026

By Clare Heinrich

Students in Dowling Catholic’s swim program don’t learn to walk on water, but they do gain valuable lessons even as they leave the pool.

“We want to pay it forward,” says Head Coach Dan Lake. “This is about more than learning skills–it’s about teaching values.”

For nearly 40 years, the Dowling Catholic Riptide Swim Club has offered summer swim programs, serving children ages 4-15.

Coach Mark Crouch, founder of the Riptide program, who was welcomed into the Dowling Catholic Hall of Fame, began offering swimming lessons in 1988. Along with other coaches, he began summer lessons as a way to give families an affordable way to learn water safety and how to swim.

As community interest in the program grew, it became clear that Riptide had more potential. Riptide began offering swim clubs for junior high students, allowing them opportunities to compete in team settings and continue developing skills from their lessons. These teams began as external community groups, but eventually the Riptide program converted to an official USA Swimming team, affiliated through Dowling Catholic.

 “Swimming is a sport where everyone gets to participate,” says Coach Crouch. “You’re never stuck on the bench.”

Summer swim lessons run from June to July, but Riptide swim teams meet throughout the year. Both programs focus on developing confidence in the water, practicing water safety, and inspiring a love for swimming. Riptide hopes to encourage participants to join high school and college teams, using their gifts and skills.

But most importantly, Riptide prepares participants to be better people. With its foundation in Dowling Catholic values, individuals receive quality mentorship in both aquatics and virtuous living.

“When I think of Dowling swimming, I think of my father and all the relationships we have built in this community,” says Senior Assistant Coach Justin Crouch. “My goal is to not only honor his hard work but the hard work of all the people involved that make it such a success.”

In the 2025-2026 season, Riptide has over 160 participants on the swim team, with over 500 participants each year. The program wouldn’t be complete, though, without high school leaders, serving as role models for younger participants.

“To me, Riptide is a family,” says Amanda Kinnison, junior grade participant and student coach. “Riptide has taught me how to push myself to become a better athlete and a better person in Christ. All the coaches at Riptide have taught me to believe in myself, my training, my teammates, and most of all to trust in God.”

Looking ahead, Riptide is always innovating. They have already made significant improvements to the Mark Crouch Pool at Dowling, including updating the locker rooms and scoreboard. Riptide plans to expand their programming, adding ‘Mommy and Me’ classes for parents and children ages 0-3.

“We are here to support you!” says Dan Lake. “This is for anyone who wants to swim, even adults. If you enjoy swimming or want to learn, please reach out!”

If you are interested in joining Riptide’s summer swim lessons or swim teams, registration will open in March.