Hello Neptunes!

This email is about the start of the 2023 swim team season. We realize this is a long list of items, but please take time to read through this email which contains a lot of critical information for the start of the swim season.

MINI NEPTUNES – You will receive a separate email soon about signing up for Mini Neptunes Assessments, which will take place on June 6^th and 7^th. Minis practices begin the morning of June 19^th.

NEPTUNES Swim Practice begins on Tuesday, June 30^th!!!

Instructions for Day 1: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

1) POOL REGISTRATION: Swimmers AND parents, please remember to have
registered for pool entry, per the HOA’s new process. Per the HOA’s recent email, the “Last day to Register for the pool and receive pool passes for opening weekend is Wednesday, May 24th. Visit the POOL Page of the Association's website for more information and to register! The pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.”

2) PRACTICE TIMES:

• 4-5pm: 13-18 year-olds
• 5-6pm: 9-12 year-olds
• 6-6:50pm: 8 & Under

PLEASE NOTE: As we understand that some families prefer their children swim in the same class for convenience, we have the separate age groups established for many reasons (age as of June 1^st); most importantly, for the swimmers’ safety. For our afternoon practices we are only able to use 3 swim lanes (once we switch to morning practices, we have the whole pool). Please attend the swim practice for your age group, and if you have questions or concerns, please contact us directly. Also, we understand that many kids have spring sports & school activities, and it is hard to attend EVERY swim practice. This is not a problem, and we ask that you let your coach know when possible.

3) SWIMMERS UNDER 13 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A RESPONSIBLE ADULT: Per HOA Regulations, swimmers under 13-years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times at the pool. Thus, either a parent/guardian or designated adult must be present at the pool while swimmers under 13 are there. If you are carpooling with another family, that parent/guardian/adult may be that responsible party. Most importantly, do not simply drop off your under-13 swimmer at the pool during practice or a meet.

4) LANE ASSIGNMENTS:Because we only have 3 lanes during afternoon practices, it will be important for swimmers to check in (with the coaches or team reps) during the first day to know what lane they’ll be swimming in.

5) WEATHER is always an issue in spring, so PLEASE sign up for the Remind notifications. That will be our first and fastest notification to all team members. In addition, we will post messages on our Facebook page and email through Swimtopia. We follow the HOA pool rules for weather. We swim in rain, but are DELAYED with thunder (and of course lightening). The pool clears the deck for 45 minutes after hearing any thunder. Depending on the timing, this could delay an age group’s practice or cancel it. But it is very possible that one age group’s practice may be canceled while another age group isn’t.

REMIND/TEXT NOTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• To sign up for text messages, text @nfneptunes to 81010.
• You will then be prompted to respond with your name, and you’ll be signed up!
• A Remind app is also available, but you do not need it to receive text message notifications.

You can also follow us on Twitter @nfstneptunes

6) ISSUES DURING PRACTICE:We ask that during practice, if a parent has a question or issue, that you discuss it with the Team Reps (Mike Cabot and Pat Hughes) or a board member. This is to ensure that the coaches can use the practice time to focus on your kids. It is our job (as Team Reps & Board Members) to be available to the parents. Please never hesitate to approach us with questions, concerns, or comments.

7) CHECKLIST:

• Swimsuit
• Goggles
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle (important for hot afternoons!)
• Hair ties (if you have long hair, tie it up for safety). Swim cap isn’t required but is helpful.

The first week of practice may feel a little hectic, so we ask for your patience as we get everyone into their groups and underway. And as always, if you have questions, please email us or chat with the team representatives at the pool.

Look forward to seeing/meeting everyone next week! LET'S GO NEPTUNES!!

Mike Cabot and Pat Hughes (Team Reps)