It’s time to get our ducks in a row (and then jump in the pool). 

Get excited, Hurricanes!

Welcome back, swim families — and a big welcome to those joining us for the first time. We also want to take a moment to welcome Erika Christensen, who is joining our team rep squad this season — we are so glad to have her!

You’ll be hearing from us again soon with dates and times for our early-season activities, including team photos and more, so stay tuned. In the meantime, please be aware that the forecast for the coming week looks a bit unsettled, and uncertain weather may affect our practice schedule. We will keep you posted as quickly as we can on any changes. To make sure you never miss an update, please download the Swimtopia app and keep an eye out for notifications — that's our primary way of reaching you throughout the season.

Practices & Assesments

First day of Practice | Tuesday, May 26 | Upper Pool

• 13 & Older: 4:00–5:00p
• 9-12: 5:00–6:00p
• 8 & Under: 6:00-6:45p - only 8 & Under swimmers who participated in meets last season or HRA Winter swim (no practice Thursday, May 28th, due to 8 & Under assessments)
• Tropical Storms will not have pre-summer afternoon practices; instead, their first day of Practice will be the morning of June 22.

8 & Under Assessments | Thursday, May 28 at 6-6:45p | Upper Pool

• If your 8 & Under was a Tropical Storm last year or is new to our swim team, they should plan to participate in assessments. The coaches will conduct a simple evaluation based on these factors to determine which group your swimmer fits best into.
• We will assign time slots for families who need their swimmers assessed this year. Please report to the Upper Pool at the designated time based on your swimmer's last name:
  • A-J - 6:00p
  • K-N - 6:15p
  • O-Z - 6:30p

Practice Info

• Swimmers should wear a practice suit and bring a cap, goggles, a water bottle, and a towel.
• See the website for the entire season practice schedule.
• Remember: NO SWIM PARENTS SHOULD BE ON THE UPPER POOL DECK DURING PRACTICE. EVER. This distracts the swimmers, the coaches, and the lifeguard on duty.

Swim Team Information Document

Please take time to read the Swim Team Information document carefully! It serves as an excellent refresher for returning swim families and is essential for newcomers to the team. We’ll be at the pool during the first week of practices, so feel free to come by, say hello, and bring all your questions!

Additional topics and elaborations can be found on the “FAQs” page.

This document can also be found on the “Resources” page on the team website along with other useful items and links.

13+ Swimmers

Kick-off meeting for 13+ Swimmers. On June 1 at 7p, we will eat pizza and discuss all things 13+, including Lane Leader volunteering, Big Fin-Little Fin program, and special events.

Families with 13+ swimmers keep an eye out for more information!

Weather

To ensure the safety and comfort of our swimmers, we use the following guidelines to determine whether practice will be held, modified, or canceled.

• Facility Closures: If the pool management closes the facility for any reason (including lightning, thunder, excessive rain or mechanical issues), practice is automatically delayed or canceled and all swimming pools, pool decks, and surrounding areas (including picnic areas, decks, and play areas) will be evacuated immediately. Any ongoing activities will be suspended. Everyone must leave the pool property promptly and return to their cars.
• Low Water Temperature: In-water practice will be canceled if the pool water temperature drops below 72°F.

• Cool but Not Raining: If the weather is cool or overcast but the pool remains open, we may transition to dryland practice (stretching, conditioning, and team-building on land).
• Check Before You Skip: Do not assume practice is canceled! The Team Reps and Coaches will evaluate the conditions together to determine whether dryland is a viable option.
• Notifications: We will send notifications and emails when practices are modified or canceled.
• Parent's Discretion: Ultimately, you know your child best. If you feel the weather is too cold or unpleasant for your swimmer, it is 100% okay to keep them home. We completely support your decision!

Save the Date for our first Pep Rally & Potluck Dinner

Family potluck dinners and pep rallies are held on the Friday evening before each “A” meet.

Our first pep rally will be on Friday, June 19. It will be an excellent opportunity to see old friends and welcome new ones. We hope all our Hurricane and Tropical Storm families can make it!

More information and food assignments will be posted on the team website soon!

“A” Meet RSVP and Volunteer Sign-up

We are now live on the team website! Please confirm your swimmer(s) availability by RSVPing for ALL “A” meets and signing up for your volunteer jobs as soon as possible! The “2026 Swim Team Information” document attached to this email contains more information about declaring your swimmer(s) availability for meets.

Member Check-In

Please ensure that your member accounts are up-to-date and that you have uploaded your profile pictures, signed your waivers, and authorized your unaccompanied minor before the first day of practice. You don’t want to get held up at the front desk!

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Stay tuned—we’ll be in touch regularly throughout the season.

See you at the pool!

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Bridget Gannon, Cathy Mitchell, & Erika Christensen
— HOLMES RUN ACRES, SWIM TEAM REPRESENTATIVES