Realizing "Time Management" is not something that is just important for our swimmers but as we all know, for the entire family when trying to fit everything that needs to get done into a neat schedule(?!), which can be difficult during the school year. It sometimes feels like the adage, "fitting 10 lbs. of sugar into the 5 lb. bag" scenario. Consequently, we will try to keep you as up-to-date and informed about what is going on with the team as we can. There is a lot to learn if you are a first time league swimmer or first time year-round swimmer. Communication is an ongoing goal for both the Parents and Coaching staff and to this end we just want to remind everyone of some ways that you can learn more about the team and its activities.
Team Communications
WEBSITE
We are fortunate to have a wonderful staff who keep our team website updated as frequently as possible with new news and information parents need to know such as the meet schedule, swim groups, calendars, etc. This is a site parents and swimmers should visit regularly.
Practices
Practices are for two hours and it can be difficult to cover the material planned if we don't get started on time. We understand the change in school times have complicated some of this, but we have to ask that you please have your swimmers under the scoreboard at the starting time for practice if at all possible.
We also have to ask that you do not arbitrarily switch your swimmer's practice time. This puts all the swimmers at a disadvantage (too many swimmers at a given practice time) as well and disrupts the ability to accomplish the planned workout.
The rule of the pool is that if the Lifeguards hear thunder or see lightning, we have to wait 30 minutes before we get back in the water. They are also enforcing the rule that everyone needs to be off the deck (and shelter by the locker rooms). When this occurs we will try to get some dry-land accomplished, but at this time of year it is difficult, due to other YMCA members needing this space also. Consequently, we'll have to make that call at the time it occurs.
We don't normally "call off" practices ahead of time unless we are sure we will not be getting in (i.e. hurricanes). As in most sports, the only policy that works with swimmers coming from all over town is that practices will be called off at the pool. Keep in mind that Boynton Beach weather is usually different all over town so if it's raining on one side of town it may be sunny at the YMCA building. Calling off the practices will be done as the need occurs, but not hours ahead of time. We will also, when possible, let the front office desk at the Y know when we actually do cancel specific practice (if an early practice is canceled it doesn't mean the later practices would have to be). The number to call to see if the pool is closed is: 561-738-9622.
Getting Involved
Most swim teams, ours included, are run by parent volunteers. The Sea Dragons run swim meets, fundraising events, team picnics, and an annual banquet; we travel around Florida, Georgia and Alabama and we send senior swimmers to national meets all over the United States. All this is possible because of our parent volunteers; pretty much everyone you cross paths with in the swimming world is a volunteer. Start small - donate drinks/chips/bagels when requested or volunteer to time at a swim meet. As your swimmer progresses through the team and you become a veteran swim parent you can become a stroke and turn official, run the swim meet computer, or be a board member! Board meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm in the Director's office next to the pool. Also, there will be a general parent meeting for ALL parents, especially the new swim parents, periodically. Even if you aren't ready to commit to a volunteer position, please make sure you attend the general meeting to meet other parents and learn more about our swim team.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Practice:
Swimsuit
Goggles- 2 pairs
Swim Cap
Fins/Paddles & Fulcrum
Water- Stay hydrated!
Everything can be found by clicking on the Team Store link at the top of the page. Click on Team Gear. This will link you directly to the Sea Dragons swimoutlet.com affiliate site. From here their are different categories. Team suit, team Goggles, recommended gear like Paddles and fins, bags and parkas are also available thru this link. Swimoutlet.com has a wonderful assortment of training suits and everything your swimmer will need in the future. 8% of all your purchases goes directly back to the Sea Dragons to help us fundraise for our next event.
Swim Meet Attire
Team Swim Suit - Agon Custom Suits; Will be ordered from time to time in batches; Please speak to Coach or the PAC President if your swimmer needs a suit.
Team t-shirt- Click on the Team Store link at the top of the page and then Team Apparel. Shirts for the whole family can be ordered thru this site.
Swim Cap with Sea Dragons logo- Ordered quarterly by the Aquatics Director; Please stay up to date with your emails to know when an order will be placed.
Goggles - 2 pairs that your swimmer likes- You can order suggested goggles in our Team Store link, under Team Gear.
Sunscreen
Water - Stay hydrated!
GO YSPB SEA DRAGONS!
Goal for the year: Remind yourself, "I can and I will."
