Parent’s Meeting and Swim Assessments Scheduled

The Swim Team Representatives will host a registration and parents’ meeting on Sunday, May 17, from 7–8 p.m. at the Lincolnia Senior Center. Given the size of our team, we have decided to move our parent meeting to the weekend so that more working parents can attend, and to a weather-proof location! At this meeting our swim-team leadership and coaches will provide an overview of the summer swim team. It’s a great opportunity to meet our fabulous coaches and catch up with old friends and meet new ones. We encourage new and returning families to attend the meeting.

The Parklawn Piranhas welcome members who are 18 years old and under to join the swim team. Swimmers are evaluated before they are invited to join the team. Swimmers need to swim: (1) freestyle at least 25 meters (1 lap) of the pool; and (2) backstroke at least 15 meters of the pool, unassisted and with a minimum stroke proficiency and endurance. Swimmers must also be able to listen, pay attention, and focus on our coaches’ instructions for a 45-minute-or-longer practice, participate in weekly “B” swim meets throughout the season, and be available to participate in “A” swim meets when requested by the coaches. This generally means that a swimmer is at least six years old. The team will hold swim-team assessments at Chinquapin Pool (3210 King Street, Alexandria).  We will hold up to three assessments (depending on interest and swim team capacity level in March, April and May) and our first assessment will be on Sunday, March 29th from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.  Individual Evaluations will not be scheduled for your individual swimmer; your swimmer needs to attend one of the assessment dates.

Our Swim Team offers a fun summer experience! The Parklawn Piranhas Swim Team is a developmental and competitive swim team in the NVSL. We are a member of the Northern Virginia Swim League and take part in meets in June and July.  The League schedules meets in  accordance with team strength, so every event is hotly contested. The  swim team’s coaches provide youngsters the training needed to develop strength, skill and stamina in the water, while allowing them to compete in a truly nurturing environment. An added benefit is the tremendous bond of friendship that develops, not only among kids of similar ages, but across all age groups, as older swimmers act as positive role models, providing assistance, encouragement and lessons in  good sportsmanship to their younger teammates. Our team focuses on:

• Cultivating a love of swimming
• Providing a supportive environment where swimmers can do their best and improve their swimming skills
• Encouraging sportsmanship and teamwork
• Presenting leadership opportunities
• Offering team-building experiences through pep rallies and social events

Swim Team registration will open by March 1 and will close when we have reached capacity and no later than Saturday, June 13. Registration is processed on a first-come, first-served basis and priority is given to returning families. Families are not considered registered until they have completed all of the registration requirements. Completing the registration form alone is not sufficient. These requirements include (1) completing and signing the registration form; (2) paying the swim-team fees; and (3) signing up to staff the snack bar for 3 shifts (4 hours each) during the summer or paying to opt out ($200). Families must complete all of the registration requirements BEFORE their swimmer(s) will be allowed to attend swim-team practice.

The Swim Team Representatives will host a registration and parents’ meeting the weekend of May 16 & 17—time and location to be announced soon. We encourage new and returning families to attend the meeting.

The Parklawn Piranhas welcome members who are 18 years old and under to join the swim team. Swimmers are evaluated before they are invited to join the team. Swimmers need to swim: (1) freestyle at least 25 meters (1 lap) of the pool; and (2) backstroke at least 15 meters of the pool, unassisted and with a minimum stroke proficiency and endurance. Swimmers must also be able to listen, pay attention, and focus on our coaches’ instructions for a 45-minute-or-longer practice, participate in weekly “B” swim meets throughout the season, and be available to participate in “A” swim meets when requested by the coaches. This generally means that a swimmer is at least six years old. New families who are interested in joining the team should attend our low-key swim assessments that will be held in April and May. Evaluations will not be scheduled for your individual swimmer; your swimmer needs to attend one of the assessment dates.Questions? Contact us at parklawnpiranhas@gmail.com. 

•  Swim Team Fee: $100 (one child) / $175 (two children) / $225 (three children) / $275 (four or more children). Dive team fees are separate.

The fee includes a team T-shirt and a swim team cap. Only registered Parklawn Pool members may join the swim team. If you are interested in our Mini-Piranhas developmental team and swim lesson program, please visit our Lessons & Classes page. The Mini-Piranhas developmental team and swim lesson program has different fees, depending on the level of instruction and number of sessions enrolled.

PRIVATE GROUP: includes contact info, schedule, and much more, so everyone involved can stay up to date!