FAQs
When does registration open for the swim team?
Registration in 2026 will open on March 16th for Heritage Landing Residents only. Non-Residents can begin to register on March 23rd.
What are the registration fees?
2026 Fees:
- 1st Swimmer = $225.00
- 2nd Swimmer = $200.00
- Additional Swimmer(s) = $175.00
- Non-Resident Fee = $25.00/swimmer
- League Fee = $30.00/swimmer
*Discount for multiple swimmers is for immediate siblings only, not extended family. Registration fee includes a FREE team t-shirt. First-year swimmers will also receive 2 FREE swim caps. Returning swimmers can purchase replacements caps. Team suit and additional spirit wear are available to purchase separately.
If I do not live in Heritage Landing, can my child swim on the swim team?
Yes, as long as your community CDD is not associate with another swim team in the St. Johns Summer Swim League. There is an additional fee for outside residents to cover pool maintenance costs.
When does the season start?
The swim season (including practices) runs mid April – mid July. See the website calendar for more details.
What if I can't make it to a practice or meet?
Attendance is not taken at practice. We encourage swimmers to attend as many as possible to build their skill level, but there is no requirement to attend. You will see the most progress if your child attends at least three practices a week. Swimmers are also not required, but encouraged, to take part in as many meets as possible to keep improving their swim times. As each meet approaches, we will ask all families to RSVP so we can plan the meet lineup. Swimmers must participate in at least 3 meets to qualify for the County Championship meet. Families are required to volunteer for a certain number of positions at the meets, and must uphold that obligation or pay a fee.
What are the age groups for competition?
For swim meets, age groups are divided as follows:
- 6 & under
- 7-8
- 9-10
- 11-12
- 13-14
- 15-18
What are the age groups for practice?
For practice, age groups are divided as follows:
- 8 & under
- 9-12
- 13 & up
My child has a summer birthday. What age group will he/she compete it?
The league uses the age of the child on June 1, 2025 for placement in age group competitions at practice & meets. The swimmer's age on June 1st determines the age group they will compete in for the whole season.
If your swimmer just graduated from high school, they can still swim for the Hammerheads, as long as they do not turn 19 before June 1st.What strokes do the swimmers use in competition?
Freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke & butterfly and IM (individual medley: one lap of each stroke)
What swimming strokes does my child need to know to join the team?
Your child does not need to know any strokes to join the swim team. They DO need to be able to swim the length of the lap pool (25 yards), in some form or fashion, without assistance and float comfortably on their back. If in doubt, new swimmer evaluations will be used to evaluate swimmer readiness. If the coach determines that the child is not able to be safe in the water, all fees will be refunded. Safety is our top priority at all times.
What is SJSSL?
SJSSL is the St. Johns Summer Swim League. This is the summer league of teams that we compete against. Teams include Bartram Springs, Heritage Landing, Julington Creek, Shearwater, Fighting Turtles (9 Mile Creek CDD communities, Rivertown, South Hampton Durbin Crossing, St Johns Golf & Country Club, & Silverleaf.
How often and when is practice?
The practice schedule is on the website. Practice begins in mid-to late-April and will be 3 afternoons per week during the school year (Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays). During the summer, we switch to 4 morning practices per week (Tuesday - Friday).
Does a child have to swim in a particular number of practices during the week in order to swim in a meet?
No, but the more practices they attend the better they will swim at the meets!
Does my child need to wear the team swimsuit during practice? During a meet? What brand, and where do I buy it?
No special swimsuits are needed during practice. Girls should wear a one-piece suit. Boys should practice in "jammer" style shorts. Team suits during meets are encouraged but not required. The suits are available at an additional cost. If your swimmers choose not to wear the team suit at meets, we ask that they wear a plain black suit. Tech suits are not permitted during any swim meets, including Champs.
What gear is needed?
Your swimmer will need an appropriate competitive swim suit (one piece for girls, jammer style suit (or Speedo) for boys, a swim cap (new swimmers will get 2 Hammerhead caps), and a good-fitting pair of goggles (see website for video on good fitting goggles).
When are the meets, and where are they held?
The meets are generally held on Saturday mornings. Some are at the Heritage Landing pool and some are at the pools of our league team competitors . There will also be a mock meet and an intrasquad meet to give swimmers additional opportunities to beat their times.
How long does a meet last?
Meets begin at 8 a.m. with swimmer warm-ups starting at 7am. Meets usually last 3-4 hours.
Do swimmers have to attend every swim meet/practice?
We know things come up, so we try to make the swim team as flexible as you need it to be. Attending all meets and practices is beneficial, but not required. Please note, with regard to attendance at meets, swimmers must swim a minimum of three (3) meets in order to be eligible to swim at Champs in July.
What is a dual meet? A tri-meet?
A dual meet is held between two swim teams and a tri-meet is held between three swim teams at the same time. One swim club is the host team and the other(s) is the visiting team. The schedule is posted on the website under the tab labeled Swim Meets. There is a championship meet in July when all teams will compete with each other for the Hank Langenfelder Championship Trophy. It's a great time to get those new PRs (personal records) and end the season with a bang!
Are there any parent volunteer requirements?
Yes, each swim family must volunteer for a specified number of sessions during dual meets and one (1) session at Champs. The swim meets are entirely volunteer-run & it is impossible to have a successful season without parent volunteers!
How can I help the team?
It's an all-volunteer effort, and there is always something more that can be done. Consider becoming a starter or stroke & turn official. The officiating is all volunteer, and it always helps to have more people trained to step in when others have scheduling conflicts for a meet. You may also enjoy the meet more when you know the rules well, in addition to being able to help in your child's swimming development.
