Hi Dolphin families!

If you are returning this season, WELCOME BACK and if you are new to the team, WELCOME! We're thrilled to share our team with you and look forward to another great season.

I know the month of May can be very busy with end of the year school activities and what not. Thus, I wanted to reach out with some reminders and information for the upcoming practices this week. First practice is Monday, May 15th at 4:00pm and 5:00pm! Woo hoo!!! Swimmers are welcome to come to either practice time, however, I would encourage older swimmers (ages 11 and up) to attend the later practice time if they can.

Weather: The weather is incredibly unpredictable this time of year. Be prepared for practice to be canceled if you notice stormy conditions in the afternoon. Toni and myself will assess the weather to the best of our ability the hour leading up to practice. Alternative dryland practices will not be offered during the first two week-afternoon practice sessions. Thus, we will make sure to do our best to ensure we give as much notice as possible. In the meantime, please make sure your account is set up to receive weather alerts and other important information from the team.

NOTE: If practice is canceled, due to weather, and you have a "trial swimmer", we can extend the trial period into the morning practice period to make sure your swimmer has had proper opportunity to "test out" the team.

Equipment: This year, we are hoping to utilize fins for practices. If you don't have yours yet, don't worry. We won't be using them during the first two weeks of practice. Below is a list of important items you'll need for swim practice starting day 1.

• Swimsuit- Does not need to be the team suit. Swimmers just need to wear something they are comfortable swimming in, with little drag. One piece suits and jammers for boys are preferable. NOTE: Often, swimmers will save their team suit for swim meets and wear alternative swimsuits for practices. This prevents team suits from getting worn out prematurely If your swimmers would like to wear the team suit for practices though, that is perfectly fine too.
• Goggles- Competitive swim goggles are best. I've seen some swimmers want to wear snorkel or mask-like goggles to cover their nose, but this can make it difficult to breathe while swimming laps. Goggles should fit comfortably for long periods of time in a competitive swim environment. Tinted goggles are also best for outside swimming and protection from the sun.
• Swim cap- I encourage all swimmers to wear swim caps to both practice and swim meets. Boys and girls can both benefit from wearing a swim cap as it helps swimmers move more fluidly in the water and prevents distraction and drag from "messy" hair in the face. It's also good to get swimmers comfortable wearing swim caps in general so they feel at ease wearing one when it's time for swim meets. Silicone caps are the most comfortable (and recommended), but latex caps can be worn too.
• Sunscreen- Though temperatures can vary in the coming weeks, with lots of clouds and rain in the forecast, it's extremely important to wear sunscreen. Don't make the same mistake I did when I was 9 years old and I FRIED myself during swim practice to the point I had to miss out on some fun end of year school activities. #freckledwhitegirlproblems.
• Towel- Nobody likes borrowing a wet towel from a friend.
• Water bottle and snack- Let's keep the kids happy before and after practice.

Practice (first day): Swimmers will initially be divided by age groups. We will have signs next to lanes so you know where to direct your swimmer. If you are new to the team, make sure to let a coach know when you approach their age group lane. We'll move swimmers around as necessary to make sure they are in the best fit lane based on their abilities and skills. The lanes will be organized as follows. 

• Lane 1: (next to the stairs) 6 and Under swimmers 
• Lane 2: 8 and Under swimmers. 
• Lane 3: Teens 
• Lane 4: 9 and 10yrs 
• Lane 5: 11 and 12yrs 

Note: Trial swimmers please see Coach Emilie before finding your lane. Your child will work with different coaches over the course of the next two weeks to familiarize themselves with one another. We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and gets to know the team before morning practices begin. 

What to expect from first two week practices: Our goal the first two weeks is to teach skills for swimming in a team environment. Even return swimmers need reminders for swim team etiquette. We will work on skills for behavior management, circle swimming with a large group of people, and getting swimmers comfortable swimming all strokes. We will also help educate swimmers in understanding some of the swim team "lingo". Ex: What does "swim 50 kick" mean? Afternoon practices look different than morning practices simply because there are new faces and it's been some time since we last saw each other. If you are concerned your swimmer isn't working on certain skills right off the bat or the practices don't seem "advanced" enough for your swimmer, just wait, as we will get to those skills and advanced practices after the memorial day weekend.

Parent Support/Help Wanted: Most of our coaches are still in school and finishing exams these next two weeks. A majority are still able to come to practices, but we may need some help supervising on certain days. If you are interested in being an "extra helper" during these next two weeks, please see the link attached to sign up as an extra helper. We would especially love extra eyes on our 6 and Under lane. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4BA5A72DABFD0-dwparent

Hopefully you all found this email helpful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to the first practice (weather permitting) and will hopefully see you all in the next couple days.

Go Dolphins! 

Coach Emilie Clarke