Morning, Barracuda Nation. 

(1) WELCOME. Welcome aboard for the Summer of 2026. For returning families, we are honored that you chose to spend another summer with us. For new folks, welcome to the family. Every weekend this summer, I will email the team with a preview of the week ahead. Since we have a holiday weekend coming up, I wanted this information in your hands early. 

(2) REGISTRATION.  If there are still families out there who have not registered, please do so ASAP.  The t-shirt order is due May 17, so to get a t-shirt, make sure you register this weekend.  

(3)  LITTLE CUDAS.  The Little Cudas program is for our swimmers (four and older) who cannot yet make a lap of the pool.  We will open registration after Memorial Day weekend.  We will offer three two week sessions, and the program starts the first week of morning practices (week of June 15).  To register, you must complete an evaluation.  We will offer evaluations at Ridgewood Pool on Saturday, May 23 (1-3pm), Sunday, May 24 (2-4pm) and Monday, May 25 (3-5pm).  

(4)  PRACTICE SCHEDULE.  We will start practices on Tuesday, May 26.  The practice schedule for the first three weeks of the season (while school is in session)

13 and over - 4:15-5:15pm

8 and under - 5:15-6

9 and 10 - 6-7

11 and 12 - 7-8

While practicing in the afternoon, we will share the pool with the community, so non-swim families will have access to the deep and shallow ends.  We will have the eight lanes in the lap pool.  Let's be certain to share the space.

(5)  WEATHER AND CANCELLATIONS.  The weather next week looks cool.  If we ever cancel a practice, we will email the team and post the announcement on the website (by coaches) or on Facebook (by the prez).  Expect some practices to be cancelled the first week or so.  We don't want to get anyone sick.

(6)  PARENT VOLUNTEERS.  Volunteer Update: Swim meets do not happen without volunteers!! Families are asked to volunteer for 10 shifts this season. Please join Shala (volunteer coordinator) and Stephanie (team manager) on May 28 at 8:30 (google meet link to come) to learn about team events and volunteering during the 2026 swim season. Anyone is welcome, but new families are highly encouraged to attend. 

We are in need of one more permanent volunteer for 2026. This role fulfills all volunteer hours for the season and comes with the perk of a reserved parking spot for home meets 

Set-up and take-down lead -  One person for both or two people (one for set-up and one for take-down) Support volunteers to set up pool for meet/return pool to community use set-up Set-up is 5:30-7:00 before each home meet Take down is between 11:30 ish and 12:30 ish after each home meet 

We also have some 2027 permanent volunteer positions that will need to be filled. You can spend the 2026 season learning the ropes, have all of your volunteer shifts fulfilled and get a parking spot in 2027 if you fulfill the role. 

Announcer-Run the music and announcements for the meets. We provide the equipment but we ask that you house it in the off season. 

Head Timer-Hold the timer and recorders meeting before the meets, house and distribute the stop watches, and time events at both home and away meets. 

Head Clerk of Course-Organize swimmers for their events at home meets 

If you are interested in any of these permanent positions, contact Shala at [email protected].

(7)  WINTER CLINIC.  For those who swam with us this winter, our final Clinic is Sunday, May 17.

Lastly, as we begin a summer together, let's commit to support each other, our kids and our coaches.  I can say, without reservation, that this is most amazing group of parents and kids in the swimming world.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Coach John

[email protected]