Hello again everyone,

Don't forget, the Swim-a-Thon is tomorrow, Wednesday, July 7th (see attached PDFs).

• Developmental Group practice is canceled for Wednesday, July 7. It will resume on Thursday, July 8 (Developmental group members are exempt from the Swim-a-Thon).
• Start Times: Distance Group Green starts at 8:00 am, Gold starts at 9:30 am, Blue starts at 10:45 am
• NOTE: Distance Groups are not the same as training groups, so definitely look for your swimmer's name to see what time they should arrive (PDFs attached).
• ALL athletes are required to participate even if they raise no funds. Even if swimmers have no sponsors, they will complete this part of the program on July 7, or the next time they show up at practice after that. Please make an effort to swim on July 7, as we will have more people available to count laps.
• PARENTS - We will need counters for each group. So, definitely feel free to come on the pool deck to see if we need help with counter.

FAQs:

1. "OK, Coach Drake..., I know you said it's not an obligation, but what should we use as a guide?" Most raise between $20 - $40 per family, although we've had some families raise hundreds of dollars in some years; I think $600 is the record for one family :).
2. "What if we raise no money, does my child still have to swim the distance?" Yes, it's part of their required training regimen.
3. "My swimmer is worried, he doesn't think he can swim that long non-stop. Does he really have to?" Yes, no one has ever failed to make their distance, so no matter how daunting it may seem, tell your swimmer they will prevail. It's a mental challenge more than a physical one, and these distances are well within reach of every swimmer in their group. Plus, they can use a kickboard or swim any stroke they want, whenever they want. Additionally, it builds personal confidence and it's a shared rite of passage for each team member.
4. What do we use the money for? Team gifts, fins, kickboards, fulcrum paddles, team computer & software, storage bins, shed repairs, lane lines, lap clocks, starting blocks, flags & poles, station markers, and maintaining lower team fees.

See you on deck!

Coach Drake