Summer Swim Parents’ Pre-Season To-Do List

1. Validate carpool arrangements: with all the commotion of summertime activities, it’s never too early to check last summer’s carpool or begin asking around! You’ll rest easy knowing the carpool schedule is set, even more so if you have multiple kiddos participating in different summer activities/camps. Parents are welcome to come sit and bring a lawn chair and a book during practices. We'll even put you to work as a lane watcher or in a parent group project.
2. Double-check summer swim gear: are your fins, kickboard, suits, and goggles all in tip-top shape? There’s nothing worse than goggle straps snapping mid-practice due to old straps. Additionally, fins that are too small are pretty uncomfortable. Youngsters grow fast. You’ll be surprised by what was too big last year and too tight this year! Great News is that Williamsport Waves provide kickboards, fins, pull bouys, and many other "tools" needed for each practice.
3. If you are a new parent, Lewisburg has a great swim store called THE SWIM SHOP.  Take a visit. Introduce yourself to Mary and ask for the WAVES Team Discount!
4. Stock up on sunscreen: You can never have enough during the summer months! BYOSS! Look for Water-proof/rub-proof Sunscreen (SS) for your swimmers.
5. Invest in packable and nutritious pre- and post-workout snacks: peanut butter and apple slices, trail mix sectioned into plastic baggies, granola bars, and fruit snacks are all great options! They're easy to pre-make and grab on the go. It doesn't always have to be a sports drink; in fact, many of our HS swimmers bring their own water for practice and chocolate milk for after practice, as it helps with recovery.
6. Brush up on the swim strokes: many teams hold pre-season stroke clinics to reacclimate swimmers to their fly, back, breast, and free. See if your team is holding one of these. Local swim clubs also sometimes host pre-summer season tune-ups. Things can get rusty, particularly if your swimmer doesn’t participate in a year-round program. With a clinic brush-up, your athlete will build confidence and feel ready to hit the pool.  We will be hosting a stroke clinic the weekend prior to practice beginning!  Look for details.
7. Clear your schedule for evening meets, weekends, and Championships: swim teams need all hands on deck to make everything run smoothly, so help your team out by staying available to volunteer. Further, consider reaching out to team leadership to ask about open ‘head volunteer’ positions. If you have a season or two under your belt, you might be ready to tackle a much-needed leadership role on the team or on meet days. We will need everyones' assistance in volunteering as timers, age group parents, officials and concessions.  Helping to set up and tear down practices and meets is also appreciated.