May 6, 2024

Hello Piranhas parents and caregivers,

It’s here! Piranhas practices begin this afternoon, May 6.

This week will involve assessing swimmers’ skills and needs and adjusting swimmer’s lanes as they get to know the 2024 coaching staff.

There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon. See FAQs below for our rain policy. If we have to cancel due to thunder/lightning we will notify via this platform and the Facebook page.

Practice Schedule

4:15-5:00 PM, M-W-Th. Swimmers ages 5-8 ONLY*.

• We have two lanes for this practice. This practice is for our youngest and newest swimmers. With fewer swimmers in the pool, this will be a good opportunity for the littlest and newest to get used to the water and the routines with fewer distractions. 
• Note: on Saturday, all 5-10 year olds will practice from 9:30-10:15 AM

5:00-5:45 PM, M-W-Th and Saturday 9:30-10:15 AM. Swimmers ages 5-10.

• We have four lanes for this practice organized by age and skill level.

5:45- 6:45 PM, M-W-Th and Saturday 8:30-9:30 AM. Swimmers ages 11 and up.**

• There are four lanes for this practice organized by age and skill level.

Pool use rules (members and non-members)

• We will always share the pool with members. There will always be at least one lane and the shallow play area available for member use.
• Non-member swimmers may use the facilities for their practices, but when practices are over, it is understood that non-members will leave the premises. If a pool member wishes to have a non-member swimmer stay as their guest, members must list guests in the sign-in book at the pool entrance and use their guest passes.

Practice Rules

• Swimmers must follow the coaches’ instructions at all times.
• Practice lanes will be decided by coaches. Lane decisions will be made based on swimmers’ ages and skill level.
• Parents must refrain from discussing individual swimmer concerns with parents during practice, as this will hinder coaches’ ability to keep all swimmers safe.
• Parents must supervise any other children at all times.
• Parents must be present when practice ends. Children must never be left without a designated adult at the pool. Coaches supervise only the team members who are in their designated practice lane. Parents who leave children unattended at the pool will risk their swimmer’s team membership. This is non-negotiable.
• Swimmers who are at the pool but not practicing may not interrupt the practices (i.e. chat with coaches or swimmers who are practicing).

Coaches

Coach Nathan Jones is the Piranhas’ head coach. He started the team in 2013 and we are excited he is returning for our 10th year. Coach Nate will be assisted by a crew of young adult coaches, all of whom are current or former team swimmers.

Parking at the pool, 934 N. Ormewood Park Drive

Unless you are a pool member or condo resident, you may not park in the spaces in front of the pool entrance, which are clearly marked for pool members or condo residents. Parking is available on Glenwood Place/Faith Ave. There’s a convenient public walkway from 956 Glenwood place to the pool. Better yet, bike or walk if you can! This is non-negotiable. Parking in spaces designated for pool members or condo residents, if you are neither, jeopardizes our good faith relationships with both groups.

If you are new to the pool, the entrance is on the north side of the building, which is a white, 4-story stucco building on the corner of N. Ormewood Park Drive and Newhall Lane.

Entrance/exit- volunteers needed

Entrance to the pool is controlled with key fobs. Members, please bring yours for access! We need parents and/or siblings to hang out in the pool office and provide swimmer access.If we do not get volunteers to do this and you are not a pool member, it will be critical for you to be on time for your practice.It can be a challenge to get in if you don’t have a fob and practices have already started. Once practices start, coaches must watch swimmers at all times.

To exit the pool area, go to one of the bathroom doors and enter the ZIP code 30316 on the keypad.

FAQ

FAQ: should 5-8 year olds come to both of the practices (4:15 and 5)?

A: Choose just 1 of the options for your 5-8 year olds.

FAQ: what if it rains?

A: Light rain, no lightning: it is safe to practice. Thunder shuts the pool down for 30 minutes for each occurrence. The clock restarts with every incidence of thunder. If we have to cancel due to weather, the announcement will be made here and via Swimtopia email. Fingers crossed our first practice will go on as planned!

FAQ: Where will suits be delivered?

A: They're going to one home to be sorted and distributed at practices. Swimmers need practice suits.

FAQ: other than a suit, what else do they need?

A: Goggles for everyone. Caps for long hair are recommended. Watch the video below if you want to learn how to help your child put on a swim cap. (also, there is no need to force this. coaches will help with caps)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXOJHJL_Uyc

More to come!

Please keep asking your questions.

All the best,

Martha Donovan

404-643-7002