Swim season is about to begin!  Water workouts begin on Tuesday, April 30th at Forestgate Pool.  

 

If you have not already done so, please go to our team website and download a copy of the Key Dates handout and Swim Team Q&A for parents.  Key Dates has practice times & dates, swim meet dates, and other important dates you will need to know for the season.  Everything is in one place so you can post it on your fridge or bulletin board and know when you need to be where!!

 

We are doing our best to keep the most up-to-date info on the website.  If you have any questions, please go there first and see if it is posted!  It is very important that you log onto the site and check your swimmer's information.  Please update parent names, too.  We are getting to the point where we will need to have everyone "checked out" on the site  because you will be signing up your swimmer for meets & volunteering by logging in.  I am reposting the information on how to log on and check your swimmer's info at the bottom of this e-mail in case you need a refresher!

 

To help the coaches give your children the best attention possible and to keep the deck clear and safe, you will see an extended "swimmer only" zone.  NWAL rules state that coaches, officials and lead parents only are allowed on deck.  On the first day of practice, your child will be greeted by one of our coaches or lead parents and then escorted to the side of the pool.  There is a limited amount of "deck space" for parents to view practices so be aware that it is changing.  Your kids are going to be in GREAT hands!!!

 

Swimmers should bring fins (the kind that looks like a shoe), goggles, and a swim cap to each practice.  Team suits are not required for practice but are highly encouraged to be worn to all meets (See the 'Team Suit Clarification" news item on where to purchase equipment).  You may also want to bring a chair or towel to sit on and a water bottle / snack for after practice.  It's a good time to get to know other WAVES parents!!

 

Each swimmer gets a team tank top as part of their registration.  These can be picked up during practice.  If you ordered a personalized swim cap they will also be at the pool.  Remember - the first day of practice will be a little busy because taking care of the swimmers is the #1 priority, so please be patient and you may have to get the caps and shirts later in the week during practice.  A limited amount of non-personalized silicon Waves caps will be avialable for purchase during practices.

 

Remember, the first few practices will be a little chaotic!!  This is NORMAL -- especially for the younger age groups!  Parents are required to stay "off the deck" (that is, outside of the designated boundaries) during practice.  Our coaching staff has a PLAN for this!!   It's a good idea for swimmers to use the restroom before entering the pool and then once you help him or her get his/her goggles, cap and fins on then find a spot in the shade and get to know the other WAVES parents.

 

Head Coach Kendall Bay, Julie Roberson (our experienced Recreational Specialist), assistant coaches, qualified water safety instructors, and several teen mentors will be in the water the first week of practice.  Select Lead Parents and I will also assist the coaching staff on-deck as needed, and we will be more than happy to answer your questions at the pool.