Packanack Lake Swim Club
The Packanack Lake Swim Club, celebrating it’s 53rd year in 2001, is a competitive summer swim team for girls and boys ages 18 and under. The team swims at the Lake Drive West beach where a 50-meter, eight-lane long-course swimming facility is available for the team’s use.
Dual swim meets are held Wednesday evenings and Invitational meets involving the entire league are held on several Saturdays throughout the summer. Trophies, medals and ribbons often are awarded to individual swimmers at the Saturday meets.
The children have a lot to gain from being on the swim team: Swimming recognizes the value of individual achievement as part of an overall team accomplishment. Swimming builds self esteem and discipline which carry over to school work and other areas. Swimming develops sportsmanship and time management skills in a team environment. Swimming is one of the safest sports and provides great cardiovascular exercise.
Practices are held daily (except weekends) and the swimmers are separated into practice groups based on ability, experience, competitiveness and age. The practice sessions run continuously throughout the morning and afternoon. All swimmers should be on the dock with the appropriate gear ten minutes before practice starts. Attendance and participation in all practice sessions is encouraged. Stroke workouts are held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Friday afternoons are dedicated to fun team building games and exercises.
Practice is held rain or shine unless the coach activates the phone chain. In the event of severe weather, dry land practice will be held in the Trophy Room in the Clubhouse. Videos of swimming techniques also may be shown.
As a member of the Swim Team, the swimmers may be videotaped and critiqued to learn and improve. Swim team members will be involved and active, meet new people and have lots of water fun and go to new places.
The success of the swim season also depends on the participation of parents. From cheering on swimmers to timing, scoring, set-up/take-down, snack stand, fund raising, membership, awards and event planning -- there are plenty of opportunities for parents to be actively involved.
The Swim Club hosts a season opening beach party with time trials, a season ending beach party and an awards dinner in September. For additional information, please contact President Linda Heimburg 628-1729.
