OVERVIEW
The Splashers program is for young swimmers, ages 4 - 7, who intend to be members of the CCV Vikings swim team – either before the end of the current RSML season or the subsequent swim season.
It is designed to efficiently secure fundamental swimmer safety skills while simultaneously teaching and exposing young swimmers to the basics of the “swim team” experience. This includes improving the skills of both backstroke and freestyle while also learning and experiencing “race-like” skills.
Please Note: The Splashers Program is NOT meant to take the place of swim lessons. We expect Splashers swimmers to come in with previous experience and with the goal of becoming independent swim-team members. If your Splasher is asked to move up to the 6 & under group before the end of the season, we expect participation to become a priority. If you cannot commit to the potential upgraded expectation, we kindly ask that you do not sign your swimmer up for this program. Swim lessons at the CCV pool are run through MPM Recreation.
PREREQUISITES
Our number one priority in Splashers is to maintain a safe, organized, and controlled environment. Because we have many little ones in the water at once, we have to instill a very high standard of expectation and ability from the get-go, as well as, an appropriate swimmer-to-coach ratio. Given this level of scrutiny, we have a set of skills that a Splasher must demonstrate (without parent, coach, and/or flotation device) to participate.
- Must have previous experience/participation in swim lessons
- Must maintain a comfort level in the water wherein swimmer can easily and without assistance stand in water and move to and from walls
- Must be comfortable jumping in water unassisted wherein head is fully submerged
- Must be able to swim across the width of the CCV beach area unassisted and without stopping, (i.e. Without standing and/or pushing off the bottom of the pool)
- Must be able to blow bubbles under water (both mouth and nose submerged) for more than 3 seconds
- Must be able to hold back float or front float unassisted for at least 3 seconds
- Must be comfortable using kick board and/or noodle to get across width of CCV “beach” area without assistance
PRACTICE
We expect participation in daily practices to help develop, coach, and train FUTURE CCV Viking swim team members.
What to Bring: Goggles, sunscreen, water, cap (optional)
Practice Times: Once morning practices start, there is an extra 15 minutes at the beginning so coaches can get everyone organized and ready to swim for the full 30 minutes. This also offers time to review stroke technique, goals, and weekly reminders. Please make sure you are ON TIME every day to help us optimize pool time.
During Practice: Please refrain from standing on the bulkhead, continually talking to your Splasher during practice. As coaches, our main concern is safety and maintaining a controlled environment. We need to ensure there are no distractions or obstructions of any kind during practice. Additionally, we ask that you please hold off on any questions/concerns for coaches until after practice is over. All swimmers must have a responsibile adult present at all times.
SWIM MEETS
We will hold 2 meets specifically designated for Splashers ONLY. These meets are the time for your Splasher to shine. It’s what they work towards all season and the best way to show-off improvement. As such, we expect swimmer participation in both meets.
ADVANCEMENTS
If your Splasher becomes fully efficient in the basic skills of freestyle or backstroke and becomes comfortable enough with the standard of “6 & Under” racing skills before the end of the Splasher season, your swimmer could be asked if he/she would like to move up to the 6 & Under group and participate in an actual CCV dual meet. The standard of “moving up” is at the coach(es) discretion, but the choice/decision to move up would be completely up to you and your Splasher if the opportunity arises. A swimmer must be 5 years old as of June 1 in order to be eligible to participate in the 6 & Under group. For any swimmer that moves up, he/she would need to participate in at least 2 regular meets if he/she would like to swim in Prelims.
SOCIAL EVENTS
As honorary members of the team, we encourage Splashers to participate in the social events planned for the team. These events are why kids really love swim team and we want the whole team included in the fun! Dates for these events can be found on the “Events Calendar” tab on the website.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
As the swim team is completely volunteer run, every family is responsible to meet certain volunteer requirements. For a family with only a Splashers swimmer, the volunteer requirement is one shift. For families with age group swimmers in addition to a Splashers swimmer, they will need to meet the volunteer requirements for age group swimmers.
HAVE FUN
The overall goal of the Splasher Program is to provide a fun atmosphere while young swimmers continue to develop proper swimming skills. We ask that you will help us promote the positive, encouraging, and exciting atmosphere that this program is all about.
We are so excited for this season and thrilled to have your Splasher as a member of the CCV Swim-Team tradition!! Please email [email protected] if you have any other questions.
