Dear Parents,

I hope you’re doing well! I want to share a few important reminders and updates to help us have a safe and successful season:

1. Pool Rules (Please Read Carefully):

Swimmers are strictly prohibited from diving into the pool unless it is during a structured swim team practice and they are explicitly instructed by a coach to do so. This is a non-negotiable safety rule that applies at all times, including community swim hours.

Outside of practice, all swimmers are expected to follow the community pool rules and be leaders in our community. This includes:

• Following all lifeguard instructions immediately and respectfully
• Exiting the pool during safety breaks when the whistle is blown
• Not crossing over or hanging on the lane lines during community swim hours or practice times

We want our team to be recognized for both their performance and their character. Please help us reinforce these expectations with your swimmers.

2. Required Gear – Caps, Goggles, Team Suit & More:

• All swimmers must wear goggles at every practice. If a swimmer arrives without goggles, we may need to turn them away due to safety concerns. Goggles are essential to ensure swimmers can see clearly, avoid collisions, and swim safely while circle swimming.
• Swimmers with long hair are required to wear a cap at every practice to prevent obstruction while swimming.
• Team swimsuits, extra caps, and practice suits are all available on the Mako Sharks - Team Store 
• All swimmers are required to have a race goggle for practices and meets. I’ve provided two options—one more budget-friendly and one higher-end—that stay secure during dives and races. please use the  Mako Sharks - Team Store  and order your goggles now.

Please plan ahead to ensure your swimmer has all required gear at every practice.

3. Sun Safety & Hydration:

With longer practices and warmer afternoons, please make sure your swimmer:

• Applies sunscreen before practice
• Brings a full water bottle to every session

This is especially critical for Group 3 swimmers, who train longer and at higher intensity.

4. Dive Practice This Week:

This week we are focusing on shallow dives from the side of the pool with a streamlined entry, reinforcing both safety and performance. No diving is allowed unless instructed by a coach during these drills.

Next week, we’ll continue dive training while shifting focus toward technique across all strokes.

5. First Meet Reminder:

At our first away meet in Lancaster on June 2nd, starting blocks will be available for those comfortable using them. Swimmers who prefer may dive from the side. However, all entries must be hands-first to avoid disqualification.

6. Progress & Looking Ahead:

As the head coach, I’m seeing great improvement across the team—your swimmers are working hard and it’s showing! That said, we still have a lot of work ahead to prepare for competition, refine skills, and keep getting better every day. Keep encouraging your swimmer to show up, stay focused, and give their best.

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep our kids safe, respectful, and prepared for a fun and successful season!

Best regards,

Coach Nick Brunelli