Hi everyone,

Great news, we've managed to negotiate to have our winter swim program at The St. James this year, which is a nicer venue than we're used to. It's very conveniently located, and the facilities are great. We will have Catherine and Kay coaching, and Leana we believe will join them when she is back from school in November. Practice will start Oct. 3rd, and we will have 4 sessions in October, skipping Halloween, and then practice most weeks leading up until May 22nd, which is the Saturday before LPRC opens in 2021. Cost is the same as last year: $300 for the first swimmer in a family, $275 for the second, and $250 for any additional swimmers. Once I get organized, I'll post a full schedule.

Registration is open! Please sign up ASAP - because of COVID, we are limited to 5 swimmers per lane, which is good for the swimmers, but bad for us covering our expenses. I have thus far reserved 4 lanes, but we have room for expansion. I have to sign the lease next week, so it would be great if I can get an idea of how many lanes we need as soon as possible.

There are other restrictions, at least at first: 1. The aforementioned 5 swimmers per lane; 2. At least under current conditions, parents will have to drop their kids off and not attend practice; 3. Masks must be worn and other requirements of TSJ followed. Kate or I or both of us will be there to help with swimmers who need help or to manage getting swimmers to the practice, and we may need a volunteer or 2 to help with that.

Remember that this is more like big Lazer practice than like Little Lazers, so a swimmer has to be able to swim multiple lengths (25 yards at TSJ) unassisted. If your swimmer was successful at swim practice this summer s/he should be fine for winter swim. If you're not sure, email myself or Kate and we can figure it out.

We may be the only game in town, at least in the fall, so if you want your kids to get some exercise, this may be the way. So, please, sign up! We can hope that the restrictions will loosen as time goes on, so I wouldn't let them be a complete impediment. As always, I'm happy to discuss or answer questions. Swim team members have first dibs, so please take the opportunity.

Hope to see you there!