Potomac Valley Swimming
Level 1

Inclement Weather Policy

At BWST, we prioritize both consistency in training and safety for all families. In the event of inclement weather, we’ll make every effort to hold practice—however, the well-being of our swimmers, coaches, and parents always comes first.

Cancellations:

  • If a practice must be canceled due to weather conditions, we will notify families by 11:00 AM on the day of the affected session. Notifications will be sent via email to all active BWST members and posted on the official BLUE WAVE website.

Note: If you are not receiving team emails, you may miss these updates. Please check your contact information in your TeamUnify account to ensure it is current.

Safety First:

  • We trust our families to make wise decisions based on their individual circumstances. Even if practice is not canceled, you are not expected to attend if travel feels unsafe.
  • BWST does not guarantee road or weather safety and respects every family's personal judgment in navigating challenging conditions.

Outdoor Swimming FAQ

What is considered too cold for practice?

  • Our general guideline is that the combined air and water temperature should equal at least 130°F for outdoor practice to proceed. For reference, our indoor pool is typically maintained at 82°F, so some cooler days may still feel brisk.

We understand every swimmer responds to cold differently. We encourage swimmers to attend and give it a try—if it feels too cold, they’re welcome to get out and warm up. Please ensure your swimmer brings layers of warm clothing for before and after practice.

What should I wear to and from outdoor practices?

  • Bundle up! Swimmers should arrive and leave in warm layers such as parkas, hoodies, sweatpants, and cozy footwear. Keeping the body warm before entering the pool and allowing it to gradually warm back up afterward is key to comfort and safety.

What if it’s raining?

  • We hold practice during rain, but we exit the pool if lightning or thunder is detected. On stormy days, please keep your belongings inside the locker rooms to avoid getting gear soaked unexpectedly.