NORTH PROVIDENCE - Swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated U.S. Olympian in history, and Rhode Island's own Elizabeth Beisel, who earned her way onto the U.S. Olympic team as a 15-year-old this year, both got their initial training at local swimming pools with local teams.

Town residents have that same opportunity with the North Providence Barracudas, a swim team formed last year for swimmers between the ages of 7 and 18.

Registration for the team will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2 at the North Providence Pool and Fitness Center to the rear of the North Providence Public Library.

Ron Lamothe, team coach and coordinator, said that the nonprofit Barracuda program was formed to promote competitive swimming for all qualified swimmers from 7 to 18 years of age.

"It's our goal to provide safe, healthful exercise and an opportunity to practice social skills in a positive environment and help each swimmer realize their potential as an aquatic athlete through instruction in stroke technique, starts, turns and endurance," said Lamothe.