MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

Welcome back swimmers and parents to another great summer of Walnut Heights Otter FUN IN THE SUN! Your swim team board members have been working hard for several months to ensure the continued success of our swim team program, as well as planning special activities and exciting social events.

We promise to do all we can to ensure that each swimmer has a very fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Feel free to come to us with any suggestions!

PARENT OBLIGATIONS

Parents are a HUGE part of our "team," and the W.H.O. are successful because of active participation by all of you. We are relying on your SUPPORT and ENTHUSIASM to guarantee a fun-filled, successful season for all of our swimmers!

Part of the SUPPORT involves honoring your commitment to swim meet job assignments and special assignments. Please be generous with your time so that the support burden may be shared equitably.

Part of the ENTHUSIASM comes from getting to know the swimmers on the team, and giving them vocal encouragement before, during and after their swims. Your vocal support for our swimmers at all the meets, including the Conference championships, and the supportive attitude that you display throughout the season makes a big impact on our swimmers. Take the time to watch the Otters compete, and encourage your children to do the same. Swimmers turn in some of the best times when they hear vocal encouragement from parents and their fellow swimmers! It makes a difference, and it’s more fun for everyone.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

WHO MAY SWIM FOR WALNUT HEIGHTS?

Any "water safe" or "graduate" Otter Pup child, 18 years or younger whose family is a member of Walnut Heights Swim Club, or non-pool members who pay a Splash fee, may swim on the team. A swimmer’s age is determined by the child’s age as of June 15.

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE JOIN A SWIM TEAM?

A summer recreational team stresses learning and fun as well as competition. Swimming is an excellent all-around exercise which combines an individual sport with a team sport. Any swimmer, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate. In a summer recreational league swim program, a child has the opportunity to make new friends, improve his/her swimming ability and have fun.

CAN A SWIMMER START WITH THE TEAM MID-SEASON?

Yes! Swimmers are welcome to join the Otters at any time, but must swim at least two conference dual meets to participate in the Walnut Creek Conference Meet in August.

IF MY CHILD HAS NEVER SWUM COMPETITIVELY, IS IT TOO LATE FOR HIM OR HER TO START?

It is never too late to start! Our team welcomes swimmers of all abilities. Unless a swimmer is exceptional, you shouldn’t expect success overnight. But with a little hard work, a newcomer can soon catch up to other, more experience swimmers his/her age.

HOW MANY PRACTICES ARE THERE PER WEEK AND HOW MANY MUST A SWIMMER ATTEND?

The practice schedule is located on the website. Typically, practices are held five times per week, including Wednesday mornings before the evening meets. Swimmers should plan to attend all practices. Obviously, this is not always possible. But, repeated/unexcused absences will not only affect a swimmer’s performance, but will be taken into consideration as the coaches plan their meet line-ups.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AND THE DISTANCES THEY SWIM?
 

6 & Under 25 yards (one lap)

7 - 8 25 yards

9 - 10 50 yards (two laps)

11 - 12 50 yards

13 - 14 50 yards

15 - 18 100 yards (four laps)

The Individual Medley (I.M.) is a 100 yard event and is swum by children seven and older. Otter Pups compete in meets only after they have graduated from the program and then compete as a 6 & Under.

WHAT IS THE "TIME TRIALS" MEET?

This is a practice meet for swimmers, parents and coaches. At this meet, times are recorded for all individual events for each swimmer. These pre-season times are uses as a basis to judge improvement in future events. Times obtained at Time Trials are not eligible to qualify a swimmer for County.