Hi everyone,

Just an FYI, we are monitoring the swim conditions and the temperature of the pool. Multiple sources regard 70 degrees F as a minimum for safe prolonged swimming (see, e.g., here and here), primarily because breathing control is reduced below this temperature. Children are actually in more danger because their volume to surface area ratio makes them less able to maintain body temperature. What I'm referring to here is not something like tomorrow's polar plunge when you're in and out in a few minutes, but instead prolonged water exposure that includes challenging physical activity. 

Yesterday, the pool temperature was 70 degrees, almost 20 degrees warmer than the air because of last week's warm temperatures. This morning, the pool was at 68 degrees. Given the forecast, the temperature in the water will likely drop by Wednesday and Thursday. If that's the case, we can't have the kids in the water for a prolonged period working hard, especially since some of them haven't been swimming all winter. Not only is there danger of hypothermia, but it will be torturously cold and we don't want them to hate swimming. (I know we've been swimming in similar conditions in the past, but more awareness on this issue has arisen over time, and we really weren't happy with the results of forcing the kids in last year.)

But, as the subject states, we are monitoring the conditions. If things improve, we'll adjust. If the water remains below 70 degrees, we will likely have some combination of dry land training and detailed technique instruction in groups by stroke (but out of the pool) this week, and then reassess a week from today.

Sorry! We really want the kids in the water but you can't fight Mother Nature. Every other team is in the same boat, and we can at least get their fitness levels up and start working on technique details this week. Thanks for your patience and understanding.