By Dave Branco

The stuff they learn here, they carry for life. Prince George swim coach hangs up his stopwatch after three decades

Apr 6, 2026 | 2:15 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Jerzy Partyka will step down on August 31st, ending a tenure that transformed the Barracudas from a struggling program into one that has produced doctors, lawyers, teachers and, by his own count, at least one politician.

He started coaching in Poland in 1982, moved through Germany, and eventually landed in Prince George in the early 1990s, drawn by the promise of a 50-metre pool and a welcoming community. What he found here, he says, kept him for three decades.

“I came over here, and I didn’t know anybody,” Jerzy said. “After 33 years, I have so many friends.”

His philosophy was never purely about speed or medals. Jerzy says he tried to pass the same discipline he demanded of himself to every swimmer who walked through the doors, and that the lessons from 4 a.m. practices and gruelling race meets tend to follow people for life.

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“If you are winning a medal or making a world record, everybody remembers only for a short period of time,” he said. “But this stuff that they learn over here, they learn for the rest of their life.”

Assistant coach Jason Smith, who has worked alongside Jerzy for roughly 27 years, says that philosophy set the Barracudas apart from a typical competitive club.

“We’re trying to make sure we’re developing good people that can go after high school and do well at university, college, or trade school,” Jason said. “And having swimming as their go-to for it.”

The pair, who Jerzy’s wife once compared to an old married couple, are believed to be one of the longest-tenured head coach–assistant coach partnerships in the province.

Jerzy says he will miss the competitions most, especially seeing young swimmers improve and celebrate on the podium. However, with grandchildren and a garden to care for, he feels the timing is right.