FAQ
Which practice should my 11-12 year old attend?
If your swimmer is in a year round program, they probably fit in the 11 and over group. If your swimmer needs technique work, is hesitant to swim with the older kids, and is newer, they should attend the 12 and under practice.
Are practices required?
We hope your swimmer can attend as many practices as possible each week, but practices are not required.
My child is new to swimming. Should I sign up for swim meets and where do I sign up?
YES! There is a spot for everyone who wants to compete. It is a fun way to spend your Saturday morning. Plus, you can be there to cheer on the team! We will send around the sign up links shortly for the upcoming meets. In the meantime, You can find a schedule on our website. The deadline to sign up to participate in each swim meet is always the Sunday before the meet. However, meets are not required.
Should my swimmer wear the Whirlwinds uniform to practice?
Swimmers of all ages are encouraged to wear the Westwood Whirlwinds team swimsuit during meets. However, practices are optional.
How to purchase a team swimsuit?
If you have not already purchased a team swimsuit, please contact Sports Fair directly or visit their store in Arlington to buy one. https://www.sportfairusa.com The team suit is the Arena Kikko. If you cannot find a size, you can also purchase the suit via other stores and online sites.
How do I sign up for additional swim lessons?
Our coaches and junior coaches offer lessons throughout the summer for swimmers who would like additional help. Check out their sign-up geniuses on our website. Please check back often as they will be adding additional sign-up sheets and new time slots. *FYI - Swim team provides a platform for the coaches to advertise lessons; however, we do not manage swim lessons. Please contact the swim lesson coaches directly with any questions about lessons.
Do we need to let you know if our swimmer will NOT be at practice?
No. The practice schedule is very flexible so you have several opportunities during the week to practice. You do not need to notify us in advance which ones your swimmer will attend.
What about the weather? When will you notify parents if a practice is canceled?
If the weather looks ok, we try to hold practice, even in the rain. We follow the Westwood app lightning detection--if there's an alert, the pool is closed and we will wait to get in once it's clear. We will do everything possible to get in, even if it's for a few minutes, so come if you're not sure.
Should I send a towel with my swimmer?
As you may have noticed yesterday, Westwood pool is closed to the membership during the weekdays. This means there may not always be towels during practice. We encourage you to send a towel with your swimmer just to be safe. Additionally, please encourage your swimmer - if they do use a Westwood towel - to please be sure to toss the towels in the basket by the locker room doors when they are leaving and throw away trash in the bins. Since the pool is only open to the swim team at this time, it is important we leave it tidy when we leave.
Do you have a Facebook group?
Yes! Please follow us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/409920972392460
How do I sign up for a swim meet?
Use our SwimTopia Parent Portal to commit to a swim meet.
What should my child bring to practice?
Suit, goggles, towel, water bottle, swim cap (if one is worn). Swimmers should wear the same type of goggles they plan to wear in the meet. DO NOT wear meet suits to practice. We want those suits to last as long as possible - save them for the meets! To ensure swimmers' gear lasts as long as possible, we recommend running everything under cold water after practice. Chlorine can damage suits and goggle straps over time, and rinsing with cold water helps.
Where do our registration fees go?
We do everything we can to keep our costs down while providing a solid program. The vast majority of the fees go to paying our awesome coaches, the rest is split between team swag, events, and support costs. The team reps review our expenses each year to continually reassess our budget and fees.
