Gator Tales - April 23rd
It has been wonderful seeing both our new and returning Gators at the pool this week—even if the weather hasn’t fully cooperated! During these first couple of weeks of practice, we aim to have board members available at the pool, so please don’t hesitate to stop by with any questions. Being a Gator means being part of a supportive community, and we truly value that connection. If you would like to view the New Parent Meeting slideshow, please click on the link.
First Meet: Gator Raid(Time Trials)
As we head into the season, things are about to pick up quickly! Our Gator Raid (Time Trials) will take place on Saturday, May 2.
Volunteer sign-ups and meet RSVPs will open this Sunday, April 26 at 7:00 PM. At that time, you will need to log in to SwimTopia and declare whether your swimmer will be attending Time Trials. This step is very important, as it allows our coaches to plan meet entries. Please ensure your swimmer is declared by 8:00 PM on Tuesday. Parents will also be able to sign up for volunteer shifts for Time Trials at that time.
Time Trials/Gator Raid is an important event where swimmers compete in all events for their age group to establish baseline times for the season. If your swimmer is unable to attend Time Trials, they must attend practice on Monday, May 4 or Tuesday, May 5 so coaches can record their times.
Events by Age Group:
| 6 and Unders | 25 yard freestyle 25 yard backstroke |
| 7-8 | 25 yard freestyle 25 yard backstroke 25 yard breaststroke 25 yard butterfly |
| 9-10 | 25 yard freestyle 25 yard backstroke 25 yard breaststroke 25 yard butterfly 50 yard freestyle 100 yard individual medley (IM) |
| 11-12 | 50 yard freestyle 50 yard backstroke 50 yard breaststroke 50 yard butterfly 100 yard individual medley (IM) |
| 13-14 & 15-18 | 50 yard freestyle 50 yard backstroke 50 yard breaststroke 50 yard butterfly 100 yard individual medley (IM) 100 yard freestyle |
Volunteering - We Need You!
As mentioned prior to the season, our team simply cannot operate without volunteers—especially during swim meets. Each family is responsible for completing 7 volunteer shifts throughout the season. Time Trials, in particular, requires additional support since we are not sharing responsibilities with another team, so we will truly need all hands on deck.
Volunteer sign-up opens Sunday night at 7:00pm, so mark your calendars and be ready to grab your shift! You will sign up for your volunteer shifts in the same place you will declare your swimmers on the website.
NEWS & PRACTICE NOTIFICATIONS
We will post news to the team website throughout the season. If there are any practice cancellations or rain delays, we will notify you by email, send alerts using the SwimTopia mobile app, and post notices to the team website. Gators don't mind swimming in the rain, but if there is lightning and thunder at the pool, practice will be delayed or canceled.
GET THE APP
To receive push notifications:
- Download the SwimTopia Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play
- Log in with your SwimTopia (Gator website) login
- Be sure to check your app's notification settings - ensure that it's set to pop up on your screen (Android users: you may need to receive your first notification before you can edit this setting)
Picture Day Is Coming!
Our upcoming picture days, April 27 and April 28.
Please have your swimmer arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled practice time. This will allow enough time for check-in and photos before getting in the water. If you’re an 11 & up taking pictures on Tuesday, April 28, you must arrive by 5:30, as the photographer needs to finish by 5:45.
Picture Day Details:
- After picture day, families will receive a link to view photo proofs and order products if you choose.
We’ll follow the regular practice group schedule for both evenings, so please plan arrival accordingly.
Gator Splash Bash
Our first pep rally of the season is Friday, May 1st at 6:30 PM outside the pool area. Wear your Gator Green and bring a towel (and goggles for the foam cannon) to kick off the swim season. Coaches will announce the swimmers of the week and we will have a poster contest!
Swimmers are encouraged to decorate a poster to show their gator spirit - the winner will receive a prize! Pizza, popcorn, and snow cones will be available for purchase. So don’t forget to….
● Wear Gator Green, bring a towel and goggles for the foam cannon.
● Decorate a poster to show your gator spirit!
● Come ready to cheer & get your Gator Raid on!
● Bring Chairs or Blankets, sit back and enjoy the fun!
IMPORTANT DATES
