New Swim Team Parents…

It may feel a little daunting when you first sign your child up for swim team but have no fear! We want to share some helpful information for parents who may be new this year so that we can make this a great swim season for you and your children!

Swim Practice:

Always arrive a couple minutes early and make sure you bring these essentials

• Swimmers should wear a practice swimsuit (not their team suit)
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Good pair of Goggles
• Swim Cap
• Flip-flops or Crocs. (basically whatever footwear you don't mind getting wet)
• 1-2 Beach Towels

Everything is going to smell like chlorine by the end of the season! Also remember to label everything if you can. We do have a lost and found near the mailboxes for anything that is left behind.

Swim Meets:

Always arrive early. Swimmers must check in with their coach upon arriving to the swim meet, prior to warm-up. This is essential for coaches to put together relays as well. There is a practice/warm-up before the meet starts so you should arrive at 4:45 for Home meets in order to start practice at 5:00. If it is an Away meet then you should arrive by 5:15 to start swim practice at 5:30. Bring double of everything – that means a team suit and cap and a spare of each. Occasionally goggles can break, so having a backup pair is always a good idea.

You can never have enough towels! Ever!

Although the spectator area is literally roasting, the pool deck can be chilly. Packing a sweatshirt, robe, or extra items can help keep the swimmer’s muscles warm. Pack a small cooler with healthy snacks and water. Meets can be long and you want to ensure your swimmers is staying hydrated and energized.

The pool deck is one crowded place with bags everywhere. Somehow swimmers just make it work! Just the same for parents, the bleachers are usually pretty crowded too. Dress in layers (remember that roasting pool deck?) and be comfortable. 

Bring cash. Parents will need to purchase a heat sheet upon entry to a meet. A heat sheet is a printed document of swimmers’ seed times in the events being held that day or weekend. It’s a great way to see what heat and lane they’ll be swimming in and gauge how long you’ll be at the actual meet. Also bring a Highlighter. Parents usually highlight their child’s races; it just makes it easier to follow. In addition, you’ll need to pay an entry fee. It wouldn’t be a swim meet without purchasing snacks from the concession stand, either!

Bring a sharpie. Why? Depending on the age of your swimmer, they may find it helpful to write their event numbers, races, heat and lanes on their hands. This is a swimmer thing. So is writing with the sharpie on your arms and legs too! Get ready for swim terms such as “Eat my bubbles.”

Our most important advice? Take a deep breath and enjoy it. Parents help parents. There is no shame in asking. The Team Website and Facebook page is a great way to gather information and stay on task for practice changes and upcoming meets.