The first week of practice is in the books. Despite the cold and rain, it was great to see our swimmers back on the pool deck!

Our Coaches have carefully considered the levels of experience of our Penguin swimmers and we have designed the practice groups and schedule to ensure that all our Penguin swimmers get the attention and instruction they deserve. If you do not see your swimmer listed in a group, they are still pending placement and the coaches have not seen them in the water yet, and/or do not have enough information for placement. Those swimmers should attend the 5:30 practice. If your swimmer did attend practice this week and is not listed, please reach out to us directly at [email protected].

Please note that the ability level that we have identified for your swimmer is flexible as we see improvements of the swimmer's technique over the season.

• Little Blue Penguins ~ Beginning swimmers who are learning the elements of freestyle and backstroke
• Rockhopper Penguins ~ Inexperienced swimmers who are able to swim the length of the pool and are in the process of learning the strokes
• Macaroni Penguins ~ Developing swimmers who are able to swim most of the strokes legally and will most likely swim most Dual A Meets
• Emperor Penguins ~ Experienced swimmers who are able to swim all four strokes legally and will swim all Dual A Meets

Below is the Penguin Practice schedule for the next two weeks through June 17:

• 4:30pm - 5:30pm = Emperor & Macaroni
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm = Rockhoppers

Here are a few reminders for our second week of practices:

• Ensure your swimmer brings their swim cap, goggles, water bottle, and kick board if they have one to every practice.
• Your swimmer should use the bathroom BEFORE practice starts!
• Make sure your swimmer checks in with their Poplar Run pool pass & signs the attendance sheet in the PR Penguins Binder with the Gate Guards. New this year: swimmers/families will also need to sign out with the Gate Guards on their way out of the pool through the lower level of the clubhouse for afternoon practice.
• Remind your swimmer to listen to the coaches and pay attention during practices.
• Parents generally should not be poolside during practice If you wish to observe your swimmer, please do so from the main pool deck and do not approach the coaches, or engage with your swimmer, during practice unless it is an emergency. 

As always, please reach out with any questions to [email protected].