Hello SPAR Families!

We swim tomorrow! I am so happy to be getting back in the pool. 

A little about me: I am Kim Ashworth, Head Coach. I grew up being a swimmer. I love giving back to this sport. I have 3 children, all who swim for SPAR. I teach 7th Grade Science at Rudolph Gordon. I coach this team and the FIHS swim team. 

I will send out an email each weekend. I use this as a tool to help everyone know what to expect, both in the upcoming week and in weeks ahead.  

Evaluations: This is used as a way for coaches to establish a baseline of your swimmers abilities. This is not a gotcha or a try out. I want each swimmer to be part of the team. Being a swimmer gives you a life saving skill, for yourself and to others. It gives the summer a little structure to the day. The friendships they create will be something that stays with them.

Those swimmers who are new/rookies to our team will have to show how well they swim a 25 freestyle. The swimmer will then be placed in a skill group according to their ability. 

Swimmer's Ear: Yup, I'm gonna talk about it. It is a bacteria infection in the ear canal. It is painful. When you have it, antibiotic drops will be prescribed by a Dr. There are preventative strategies - there is an alcohol based solution that you can buy. You put the drops in the ears after each swim. 

Remind: Please join the class if you have not done so already. Send a text to 81010, text the message: @salfish. There is a chance for thunderstorms this week. 

Inclement Weather Policy: For thunder and lightning - swimmers have to be out of the pool for 30 minutes. The time restarts with each new thunder/lightning. Swimmers are expected to wait in cars. We have been given permission to shelter in the bathrooms until parents arrive. (we can no longer wait out the storm under the cabana)

Swimmer Arrival: Swimmers under the age of 15 can no longer be dropped off. Parents must park the car and walk the swimmer into the pool area.  If you are a resident of Sparrows Point, swimmers may walk down to the pool, as long as there is an adult on deck to monitor them. Same for pick up, the parent must park and walk in to collect the swimmer. 

Practice Expectations: Swimmers will to be in their swimsuits, wear googles, have a towel, and bring a water bottle. The first day of practice will be a little chaotic. Please be patient. Coaches will take the time to get to know the swimmers. (relationships are a big part of swimming) You will see conversations and hopefully some laughter.

This week: 

     Practices will be Mon-Thur

     5:30-6:30 -10 and under group

     6:30-7:30 - 11 and up group

                  Evaluations will begin at 5:30, in lane 1. 

                  We have 4 lanes available to use in the afternoons. 

We will work on freestyle and backstroke this week. Be prepared for cold water. This is the first week we have had warm over night temperatures. Swimmers do not need to wear a swim cap - but if you have long hair, wear a ponytail. 

All 3 coaches will be prepared to be in the water with the 10 and under group. I will be working in the water the whole time with our 10 and under beginner group.

If you have questions, please reach out. We will have board members on deck this week and you can always email me. 

See you at the pool, 

Coach Kim