Newsletter: May 13, 2024                Week #: 2

This Week’s Highlights:

Updates:

We are adding new team swimmers every day! As of today, we have 75 registered swimmers this season, including 9 pups! We have limited space for pups, so if you are still considering registering a beginner swimmer, the time is now! We will be registering Team Swimmers until June 10th, so tell all your friends & neighbors.

*** REMINDER *** We are requesting that each Dolphin Family donate a case of Spring Water (24 bottles). These should be dropped off at Concessions during practice. At this time only 4 families have brought in water. Please drop off your donations with the Board at the Concessions tables during practice this week. A board member will notate your donation on your family account.

Pod 3: Coaches are suggesting that swimmers look into bringing personal swim fins, paddles and a snorkel for use during practices. In addition, we are accepting donations of the above used swim equipment to have on hand for swimmers to borrow.

Mandatory Parent Meeting: Tuesday, 5/21 @ 7:15 pm during practice.

Please join us under the big umbrella near Concessions.

Info Session: Swim Lingo for New Swim Parents - Wednesday, 5/22 @ 7:30 pm.

We will be holding a training session for new swim parents who would like to learn the terminology used on Swim Team. Join us under the big umbrella near Concessions. We will also be going over how to read a Heat Sheet and how to draw the Swimmers Grid on your swimmer during Meets. Please bring a fine tip sharpie marker, yellow highlighter, & a pencil/pen with you to this meeting.

Thursday 5/23 is our Mock Meet (Time Trials & Job Training)

Bogan Aquatic Center, 2723 N. Bogan Road NE, Buford, GA 30519

All Swimmers & Volunteers should arrive by 5:00pm.

***Please make sure you have RSVP your swimmer's attendance at this Meet on the Swimtopia App. *** You can find the directions for how to do this on our website under the "Resources" tab or come speak to a Board Member during Practice.

MEET PROCEDURE:

Bogan is an indoor pool, however seating will be in the back outdoor patio area connected to the pool. Please follow the signs from the parking lot. These will lead you through the pool deck and onto the patio area.

Please check-in as you arrive. There will be a table set up out front.

Parents should settle their swimmers in the “BULLPEN” area first, then their own chairs & equipment in the family area. Once set-up, all volunteers should report to their assigned volunteer job station. If you are unsure where you are volunteering, please return to the check-in table for directions.

ALL Swimmers MUST remain in the BULLPEN area for the duration of the Meet. Please make sure swimmers have all they will need while they are in the bullpen. Each swimmer should have a chair or blanket to sit on, and a swim bag with their towel, goggles, cap, drinks, snacks or concession money (unless you have set up a family account). Junior Coaches and our Pod 3 Swimmers will be assisting all younger swimmers at Meets. Encourage your swimmers to ask them for assistance whenever needed. We are trying to cut down on the amount of “tracking” our Bullpen Volunteers have to do at Meets. This is especially important during relay events at regular Meets.

*WRITE YOUR SWIMMER’S FIRST NAME ON THEIR RIGHT BACK SHOULDER BLADE USING A BLACK SHARPIE MARKER, BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT THE POOL. We also suggest that you draw & fill-in the swim grid on your swimmer before arriving.

Meet Checklist for Swimmers:

Swimsuit, Towel(s), Water Bottle, Goggles, Hair Tie/Swim Cap, Flip Flops - Suggested Items: Chair or blanket, Cover-up (Robe, Sweatshirt, Jacket, etc. asit can get cold when the sun goes down), Pj’s/change of clothes for after their swims.

(Team suits are not necessary for the Mock Meet but swimmers must follow practice suit requirements.)

Meet Checklist for Parents:

Chairs, Extra goggles/caps/towels for swimmers, drinks, snacks & concessions money. Sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear, sharpie markers, personal fans, activities/games/toys to entertain younger siblings or younger swimmers waiting on older siblings to finish swimming.

The Mock Meet is an opportunity to see how a Meet against another team will be run. Volunteers will get on-the-job-training and swimmers will learn where to go, what to do and what is expected during a Meet. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you follow the lead of experienced swim parents & swimmers. We call ourselves a “Dolphin Family” for a reason…we support each other! We were all new swim families once…and there is a lot to learn - have patience with yourselves, your swimmers, the Coaches and the Board. We are all doing the best we can & we’ll get it done - so long as we work together with kindness, compassion & good humor! Swim Meets are LONG & TIRING but they are also a very FUN & EXCITING way to make new friends! Don’t forget to laugh and enjoy yourself!

***Concessions will have HOT FOOD Dinner Items ***

available for sale during the Mock Meet.

*** Come Hungry! ***

Upcoming Events:

* 5/24 - Team Bonding Event: Parade Prep @Dacula Park Pavilion, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Swimmers will be preparing decorations for our Parade Float. Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting messy! We will be using non-washable paint. We will be serving snacks and drinks. All swim family members are invited. Please RSVP your attendance for this event as well as for the Parade.

* 5/27 - Dacula Memorial Day Parade - Drop off Swimmers @Hebron Church Parking Lot - 8:00 am. More information to follow as soon as we receive it from Parade Organizers. Parents should bring chairs to set up and watch the parade from the parade viewing area. Return to the Hebron Parking lot to pick-up your swimmers at the end of the parade. Board Members will be riding the float with Swimmers to chaperone. ONLY Swimmers aged 13 & up are allowed to walk behind our float. They MUST carry a cell phone and wear sneakers.

* 5/31- Team & Individual Photos @Dacula Pool - 7:00 pm check our website under the “Events” tab for Sportography order forms. Please arrive by 7:00pm even if you do not intend to take individual pictures. We want all our swimmers in the Team Photo! *Practice may be held after photos if time allows*

Please visit our website daculadolphins.swimtopia.com for more detailed information & updates.Also, remember to download the Swimtopia App as this is how you sign up for Meets and Events and receive weather alerts & important reminders. Also please “like'' our Facebook & Instagram pages to see photos of your swimmers, get advice & tips from other Dolphin parents, and keep up with Team Bonding Events during the season. You could also reach out to us on Messenger, send an Email to [email protected] or stop by the Concessions Snack Bar to speak with any of the Board Members. We look forward to a fun & exciting 2024 Season.

~ See you at the pool! ~

Go Dolphins!