Hurricane Families,

I apologize in advance for the LONG e-mail but there is a lot of information to reference back on.

First, thank you to all the families that were able to make it to our kick-off party for the 2025 season. We had several new faces, many familiar faces but most importantly the kiddos were having a blast in the pool (even though the water was chilly 😊)!

Summer vibes are definitely in the air!

Today, May 5^th is our first swim PRACTICE! And yes, we are keeping an eye out on the weather.

Here is a summary of the items that were discussed.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE - Practice with your designated age group. If you have a scheduling concern and/or question about how your swimmer's ability "fits" into his/her practice time, reach out to the coaches, however as mentioned please do not try to speak with them during practice time. This creates a safety concern as we have kids coming out of the pool and another group coming into the pool and we want to make sure the kids are being monitored at all times. Give the coaches a week or so to respond to your question/comment. Practice schedule is here: Practices - Hunters Creek Hurricanes (swimtopia.com)

STROKE & TURN JUDGES – For those parents who have done this in previous swim seasons, please let us know if you’re willing to do this again. Each team needs at least 2 certified parents for the swim meets. Here are the times for the stroke & turn judge training:

* Zoom #1 - May 8, 6:30-7:00pm - Contact Chris Evans (210.844.6679) to RSVP & Zoom Information

* Zoom #2 - May 13, 8-8:30pm - Contact Chris Evans (210.844.6679) to RSVP & Zoom Information

* Zoom Recording on demand - whenever Contact Mike (210.378.4473) for more information.

* Hands-on - May 21st, 6pm - Summerfield pool 2600 Fairfield Bend Drive
This is being held during time trials; 30 minutes up to 120 minutes - officials can stay as long as they want.

SCORE/MEET ENTRY PERSON – As mentioned in yesterday’s parent meeting, we are seeking another score & meet entry parent to training along with Lourdes. If you are interested, please let us know.

SPEAKING OF VOLUNTEERS……. volunteers are essential to the success of our swim team and ensuring the meets run smoothly. Our team/league/meets are run 100% by volunteers. Our dedicated parent committee takes care of a lot of the logistical, behind-the-scenes and organization kinds of tasks, but on meet days and the end-of-season party – YOU ARE UP! We need timers, runners, concessions stand workers & as mentioned stroke & turn judges to keep the meets running smoothly, efficiently, and fairly. You were asked to sign up for three volunteer “shifts” (per family) when you registered for the team – you also agreed to pay $125 if you’re not able to fulfill volunteer obligation. Before the meets you will want to check in with our parent volunteer coordinator, Kaidan Nguyen. He will keep track of your “shifts.” If the season comes and goes and you haven’t completed your three shifts, we’ll be sending you a $125 invoice.

WHAT'S THE MOCK MEET - this "meet" on May 21 serves as time trials where the coaches gather times to determine seeding and relay teams for the first meet. It will be set up and run similar to a "real" meet - it's a great opportunity for rookie swimmers/families to get an idea of what a meet is like. This meet also allows the coaches an opportunity to make a final decision about whether each of the swimmers is ready for competitive season (or perhaps needs one more season of lessons). If your swimmer can't make the mock meet, reach out to the coaches - they'll want to get times on your swimmer at a different practice time. In addition, we need YOUR help running this mock meet so please consider giving us a hand in making this mock meet successful (unfortunately, this won’t count towards your “3 shift” commitment). Also, we will be taking team photos on this day! One of our parent volunteers will be taking the photo and I’ll be sending it out via email (it’s just a more cost effective way to do this)!

HOW DO WE KNOW IF PRACTICE IS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER? Check the "Here's What's New" column in the top right of the home page (desktop version only; not visible in the mobile version) and/or check your email. We will make a final call about whether or not to cancel practice by 3:00 pm. Once a decision is made, a team-wide email will be sent.

LET US KNOW IF YOU CANNOT MAKE A MEET – We know it’s summertime, vacation plans have been made, camps have been booked and life just happens! We WILL ASSUME your child will be at the meets unless you give us notice. If you know now that your child will not make a meet go to the meet schedule page here Swim Meets and Events - Hunters Creek Hurricanes (swimtopia.com) Click on the green "meet entry" box for any meet that you won't be attending. Follow the prompts to declare your swimmer's absence. Please do so by midnight of the Wednesday before Saturday’s meet. Again, if you don't declare anything, we will assume your swimmer will be at the meet and will enter him/her in events/relays. If something happens that morning (ear infection, family emergency) that your child will not make a meet, please email us at [email protected] asap.

TEAM SUIT: This year's team suit is the Dolfin Galactic Green V-back and Dolfin Galactic Green Jammer - you can pick yours up (and try it on first) from SwimFreak on Thousand Oaks. When you walk in, tell them you're a Hunters Creek Hurricane and they'll set you up. Alternately, you can order online using our link: Hunters Creek Hurricanes - SwimFreak LLC Suit and SwimFreak details are here: Team Gear - Hunters Creek Hurricanes (swimtopia.com). Please note this is the same swimsuit from last season.

TEAM SHIRT, SWIM CAPS & YARD SIGNS: You had an opportunity to order a team tee, swim cap or yard sign when you registered. If you want to order anymore – you can do so by May 7^th at Team Gear - Hunters Creek Hurricanes (swimtopia.com) T shirts, swim caps, and yard signs will be distributed at the mock meet.

DID YOU PAY THE $100 Non-Member fee, but NOW WANT TO JOIN THE HCSRC for year-round swim-at-your-own risk pool access as well as other club benefits? Response to any of my emails and make sure you become a member – we’ll deduct your $100 Non-Member fee from your total membership dues. Information about your community club, HCSRC, is here: Home - Hunters Creek Swim & Racquet Club (clubexpress.com). Membership is fun for the family and your dues support the community at large, as well. Membership is open to residents and non-residents of Hunters Creek.

As always, please let us know if you have questions! Looking forward to a fun, fantastic season!!!

GO HURRICANES!

Monica