BGP Swim Team – What to Expect

First Time Families Cheat Sheet

1. Your child must be able to swim one length of the pool unassisted – we know that the pool can look intimidating to a first time swimmer. Your child can stop on the side or the lane ropes to take a quick break, but should be able to continue on without assistance. This is a safety issue. The swim team helps to improve swimmers that can already swim. Per league rules, swimmers must complete a 25 yd. swim within 2 minutes to compete in a meet.

Remember, if they are ready, they can do it! Bring them out and let them try—you will know right away if it is a fit.

2. The pool will be cold! – for the first few weeks expect a little nip in the pool. It is not heated and we usually have not had enough hot days by May 1 to heat it thoroughly. Hang in there—it will warm up!

3. Coaches are in the pool – there will be 3-4 coaches in the pool at all times for ages 8 and under to assist the swimmers. The head coaches are CPR certified and all of the coaches ages 18 and under are part of our team as swimmers as well.

4.  Practices - Practices are offered 4-5 days a week, afternoons only in May and morning and afternoons in June.  All practices are not required, however, we do recommend coming to as many as possible and attending at least 2-3 per week to get the most out of summer swim team. 

5. Fun Fridays – a big hit! Fridays are rewarded with a short practice and then diving board and deep end time for a game of Sharks and Minnows. Afterwards, Kona Ice will be available for all swimmers who participate.

6. Swim suits—you are not required to buy a suit, but it is strongly encouraged. Texas Swim shop will be supplying our suits and will be at our sign-up party on April 26th. Expect suits to cost between $40-50.

7. Registration – 2023 registration will be through the website only. Registration date is April 1st starting at 12pm and closes one week after practice begins.  Late registration will be available on a case by case basis following first week of practice. 

8. Involvement – the kids have so much fun and our neighborhood is very strong! Help keep this spirit going throughout the season by volunteering for each meet your child will attend. We need everyone to make it a great season! Volunteer opportunities will be sent out via email—check often! And don’t be shy—we promise to show you and teach you what to do.

9. Ribbons and Medals – our league does not reward ribbons at the end of each race as some leagues do. If your child places 1st-8th, they will receive a place ribbon or medal with your child’s time and placement information labeled on the back. Parent volunteers will fill out the ribbons and then put them in the manila folders found at the pool during practice the next day.  

10. Speeding Tickets – in addition to any ribbons or medals your swimmer receives, all swimmers who improve from their previous BEST time will receive a “Speeding Ticket” for that event. Hold onto these until the Season Year End Party! We hold a drawing for each age group and these are their tickets—the more improvement, the more chances to win!

11. Swim Meets – a full meet runs around 3-4 hours long. If your child is 6&Under however, expect 2 hours. The meet is divided to allow this youngest group to finish during the first half.