BGP Swim Team – What to Expect

First Time Families Cheat Sheet

1. Your child must be able to swim one length of the pool unassisted – we know that the pool can look intimidating to a first time swimmers. Your child can stop on the side or the lane ropes to take a quick break, but should be able to continue on without assistance. This is a safety issue. The swim team helps to improve swimmers that can already swim. Remember, if they are ready, they can do it! Bring them out and let them try—you will know right away if it is a fit.

2. The pool will be cold! – for the first few weeks expect a little nip in the pool. It is not heated and we usually have not had enough hot days by May 1 to heat it thoroughly. Hang in there—it will warm up!

3. Coaches are in the pool – there will be 3-4 coaches in the pool at all times to assist the swimmers. They are all lifeguard certified and are part of our team as swimmers as well.

4. Fun Fridays – a big hit! Fridays are rewarded with a short practice and then diving board and deep end time for a game of Sharks and Minnows. Afterwards, donuts/popsicles are handed out by the coaches!

5. Swim suits—you are not required to buy a suit, but it is strongly encouraged. Expect suits to cost around $50.

6. Registration – 2017 registration will be through the website only (forms, waivers and payment). Registration date is April 9th starting at 4pm.

7. Involvement – the kids have so much fun and our neighborhood is very strong! Help keep this spirit going throughout the season by volunteering for each meet your child will attend. We need everyone to make it a great season! You will be able to sign up for volunteer shifts through the website when you RSVP for meets! And don’t be shy—we promise to show you and teach you what to do.

8. Ribbons and Medals – our league does not reward ribbons at the end of each race as some leagues do. If your child places 1st-8th, they will receive a place ribbon or medal by the next day with your child’s time and placement information labeled on the back. We will have “Star” ribbons for all 6&Under swimmers who swim but do not place to keep their spirits up!

9. Speeding Tickets – in addition to any ribbons or medals your swimmer receives, all swimmers who improve from their previous BEST time will receive a “Speeding Ticket” for that event. Hold onto these until the Season Year End Party! We hold a drawing for each age group and these are their tickets—the more improvement, the more chances to win!

10. Swim Meets – a full meet runs around 3-4 hours long. If your child is 6&Under however, expect 2 hours. The meet is divided to allow this youngest group to finish in the first half.