Swim FAQs
Here you will find a list of frequently asked questions.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
- They must be able to swim one lap of the pool. Our coaches will help them and build their confidence in their swimming abilities. This is NOT swim lessons but they will show them how to do each stroke properly.
What should my child bring for practice?
- Kids should come to practice wearing a swimsuit that is meant for practice and will stay on when diving. They should also bring goggles and a towel. A swim cap is useful, but not a necessity.
How should parents and swimmers prepare for swim meets?
- Your child should wear the team swimsuit (does not have to be; a black swimsuit is fine also), goggles, and a swim cap. Kids don't have to wear a swim cap and goggles but it is highly recommended.
- Make sure your child has one or two towels for between events.
- Swimmers need to stay hydrated and rest on meet days. We ask that parents limit their swimmers’ time playing outside or swimming before a meet so they are prepared to compete.
- Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a chair.
- At practice on the morning of meet day, the coaches will write each swimmer’s events on their arm so kids and parents can easily keep track of their events.
How do I read the heat sheet?
- Heat sheets are organized by event, and some events have multiple heats.
- The heat sheet lists the stroke, distance, lane, and heat for each event.
- Some swimmers will be entered in relays as well as individuals, so be sure to look out for those races.
- If you need any extra assistance, the coaches will be happy to help.
Should I print my own heatsheet for the meets?
- YES, all parents and volunteers please make a copy of the heatsheets prior to the swim meet.
- Some find it helpful to highlight their swimmers’ events so they know when they are coming up.
What do I need to do if my child cannot make it to a scheduled meet?
- Please contact one of the coaches or the team manager, Lavon. This is very important to know ahead of time so that the coaches can plan meets accordingly.
How long does a swim meet last?
- Swim meets usually last around 4 hours, depending on the weather and the amount of swimmers. Please have swimmers arrive an hour early to set up and warm up with the coaches.
Can we leave if our child is done with their events?
- Yes, swimmers who are done with their events early can leave, but we always appreciate those who stick around to cheer on their teammates.
What is the divisional meet?
- The divisional meet is the biggest meet at the end of the season. Every team in our division comes to the Augusta Aquatic center to compete. We need as many swimmers as possible to attend this meet.
How will we see the results of the meet?
- Ribbons with the swimmer’s events, times, and places will be given out at practices on Fridays.
Volunteering
- Parent volunteers are very important to our swim team. Parents can volunteer as shepherds, stroke and turn officials, timers, or score table volunteers.
Who do I contact with questions/concerns regarding coaching, registration, volunteering, etc.?
- Please contact the team manager, @[email protected]
or one of the coaches at practice, Paige, Phen, Skylin, or Kristin.
When is it okay to talk to the coaches about my child?
- Coaches are open to discuss any questions or concerns before or after practice. Please don't talk to coaches during practice, because they have to stay focused on the swimmers.
Practice Policies
- Please try to attend all practices during the swim season. If your child is unable to attend due to other commitments during the summer please notify the coaches prior to their absence.
- Please be on time for all practices. On Tuesday practices, please come earlier so our coaches can give your child their swim events for that day’s meet.
- In the event that there is severe weather, we will contact parents as soon as possible about a cancellation or reschedule.
You will see the link Swim Team 101 for more information on how to read a heat sheet and how to mark your child for swim meets. We want all of our families to feel comfortable joining our team so if you have any questions or have concerns please feel free to contact us!
