Helllooooooo Hammerheads!

We're ready to start our 2023 season and the coaches are excited to see you on deck! Several things to read through so please go through the whole email. *Ugh, really Coach Susan, it's REALLY long! YES, read the whole thing she says!

First Practice: Tomorrow, Monday, April 17th

• 4:45 - 5:45 p.m.: (most) 9-12 year olds
• 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.: 8&unders
• 6:45 - 7:45 p.m.: 13 & up (please arrive 10 minutes early to stretch!)

Meet the Coaches: Coach Susan has been with the Hammerheads for many years. She'll be the one with a shark on her head! Coach Sandra is a swim mom turned coach and our team athletic trainer. Coach L (Also Coach Susan so it gets confusing) is our skills/drills guru. Coach Ella is our Hammerhead from age 5 swimmer, former Jr. Coach, now Asst. Coach. She's literally grown up on the team! 

Goggles: Most important piece of swim gear! Good fitting goggles will suction to your swimmer's face, even with out the strap! I usually have a few pair for sale in my bag. Please get one, if not 2 pairs for your swimmer! Coaches collect lost/left goggles at the end of practice but we'll talk to the swimmers about keeping up with them. How to fit goggles video is on the website.

Going to Practice: wear shorts, shirt, and shoes to practice ( we don't want injured feet). Don't forget your towel and goggles!! Bring a water bottle with your name on it also. Please talk to your swimmer about safety guidelines, no spitting water on lanemates, etc. IF YOUR SWIMMER IS NOT FEELING WELL, PLEASE KEEP THEM HOME! Runny noses are no fun in the pool! Ewwww!!!

In & Out: Please come in the back gate only... the small walkway by the bike racks. We'll have a Jr. Coach helping with the gate or a bell on the gate. Do NOT go in/out the main gate. Parents are allowed on the patio area, but not on deck during practice. Swimmers must leave the pool immediately after practice, no staying and playing. If HL residents want to continue playing in the rec pool, they must exit, then sign in through the front gate.
Emergencies: The coaches will have a list of all swimmers with family contact info. A couple of us are lifeguards and know first aid.  If your swimmer has a special medical condition, I ask that you let Coach Susan, Sandra, or Ella know (you can see us on deck, text me, or email me).   If a swimmer has an Epi-Pen or other medical equipment, we need to know so they can put their backpack right by ours on the deck.  

Swimtopia app: Please download the Swimtopia app and ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS. If we get stormed out we'll send a notification / email also so as long as you have notifications turned on somewhere. You'll want this app for later in the season when we do meet entries and to track your swimmer's times.

Weather: If it is raining only, we can still swim. If there is lightning, we'll need to wait 30 minutes. If storms are nearby, please don't let your swimmer walk/ride to practice. We may need you to come get them. We will send announcements/emails if there are weather issues. We typically do NOT cancel all practices at once... we'll wait to see if it blows over.

Attendance: The Hammerheads do NOT take attendance, except for swim meets (because I have to do meet entries). If your swimmer is not able to attend practice, you do NOT need to let us know. While we want to see your smiling faces every practice, we understand it doesn't always work out.

Photography: If you ever want to take pictures of your swimmer, or video them so they can practice later, that is fine but please know that pictures from behind the starting area (the deep end of the pool) is NEVER allowed. If your swimmer wants to see their dive, it must be taken from the SIDE of the pool, never from behind.

Our big three: Before we start the season, please talk to your swimmer about our BIG 3: sportsmanship, hard work, and fun! The Hammerheads are known throughout the league as the team with the best sportsmanship.. we want to keep it that way! Even amongst ourselves! Hard work is how we earn PRs (personal records ) and that's what we're going for every week... to beat your time from before. We don't care about place but strive for every swimmer to get a new personal best. Don't forget the FUN! Coaches who dance on deck, swim in a dress, and wear a shark on their head? Now that's FUN!

Team Suits: You can order your Hammerhead team suits from the link on the website. Swim Outlet will ship direct to you and the team gets a small percentage. Remember snug is good so it doesn't come down when diving. And if you do have one, be sure to rinse it with just clear, cold water. No laundry soap and no dryer. Same goes for practice suits... they don't like soap or dryers.

COVID: If your swimmer is diagnosed with COVID please inform Coach Susan. We don't want an entire age group sick and missing a swim meet.

Whew!!! I think that's it! Can't wait to see all our Hammerheads on deck and in the pool!

Goooooooooooo Hammerheads!

Coach Susan

904-945-6564 (there's that last digit I forgot before!  good grief! text anytime... my phone is on do not disturb at night)

[email protected] (I only check email early 1x per day so text is best)