Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What equipment/swimsuit do I need?
A. Swimmers can wear any appropriate swimsuit for practice and for the mini meet (no bikinis or super baggy swim trunks please). Swim shirts are discouraged as they make it difficult to swim properly and will impede your child's learning (if your child insists on wearing a shirt it should be very tightly fitted). Swim caps are optional and not necessary for this age. Just be sure long hair is pulled back and out of your swimmer's face. All swimmers should start getting used to wearing goggles. A well-fitted, comfortable, child-sized pair of goggles is important for a child starting swim team. TYR Swimple and Speedo Skoogles or Hydrospex are good brands for this age. They can be found locally at Dick's Sporting Goods or online at Amazon or purchased online through our team swimsuit vendor (click HERE). We also have Shark Pups t-shirts available for purchase (if you didn't order one during registration just email us!).
Q. Will Shark Pups be allowed to move up to the Cool Sharks during the season?
A. Shark Pups are not allowed to move up to the Cool Sharks team mid-season. However, Shark Pups who are ready will be encouraged to join the Cool Sharks Fall Team this year or the Summer Team next year.
Q. Will practice be cancelled if it's raining? How will I know if practice is cancelled?
A. We will still swim in the rain! Unless there is thunder or lightning or heavy rain at the pool, practices will go on as usual. If practice is canceled, you will receive a notification through SwimTopia. There are no make-ups for weather-related cancellations.
Q. Can my swimmer attend practice at a different time within our session?
A. No. All Shark Pups must attend the practice group for which they are registered. This is important in order to maintain our coach to swimmer ratio.
Q. What if my swimmer needs to miss a practice? Is there a make-up policy?
A. It is fine if a swimmer misses a practice. There is no need to do anything if this happens. However we do not offer a make-up policy. Swimmers may not attend a different practice group and there will be no prorating of fees.
Q. Should I stay to watch practice?
A. Parents are allowed to stay and watch practice from the tables near the shallow end. Please do not linger near the pool area or try to talk with the coaches or your swimmer during practice. It is very important that the coaches are able to focus on the swimmers (and the swimmers on the coaches) without distractions. Some parents find it is actually easier for their children if they leave (out of sight out of mind) - you may want to hang out outside the pool on the field and watch from there until your child is finished, especially if your child is distracted by your presence. If you bring siblings, please do not allow them in or near the pool or to wander around the pool deck. They should remain seated with you at all times (you may find it easier to just wait with them on the playground).
Q. Is the pool open during Shark Pups practice?
A. No. Because the pool is closed, siblings are NOT allowed in the pool and must stay 5 feet away from the edge of the pool at all times. Swimmers who are attending a practice session are only allowed in the area of the pool which is supervised by the coaches. Also, because there is no pool staff on duty during our practices, we ask that parents please pick up after themselves when they leave (close umbrellas, move furniture back, etc.).
Q. Can I get in the water with my child?
A. No. An important part of our Shark Pups team is being independent. If your child is too nervous to enter the pool by themselves then they are not yet ready for our Shark Pups program, and we would suggest private lessons to build confidence in the water first.
Q. Is there a volunteer requirement for the Shark Pups?
A. There is no volunteer requirement, but we will welcome help for the Mini Meet!
Q. How do I sign up for the Mini Meet?
A. There will be an RSVP on the Calendar page.
Q. Do the coaches teach private lessons?
A. Yes! Please click HERE for more information.
Q. How do I change my account information (email, phone number, etc.)?
A. In the upper right corner of the screen (after logging in) you will see a box which says "Welcome [your name]". Hover on this then click on "My Account". You can change your address and passwords here. If you wish to change any other account information, please contact [email protected].
Q. Who do I contact with questions, concerns, or suggestions?
A. Please email [email protected].
