A MESSAGE FROM THE COACH

Welcome to the Lower Makefield Township (LMT) Swimming and Diving Team website.  The LMT Swimming and Diving team offers Lower Makefield Township residents who are members of the pool, an opportunity to join a competitive swimming and diving program.  We welcome all children ages 5 through 18, who are able to swim one lap of the pool unassisted to participate in our program.  Our large team consists of 300+ swimmers and divers who compete in the Red Division, Blue Division, or Diving within the Lower Bucks Swim League (LBSL).  We are excited to introduce some important changes this year in regards to our practice schedule, Invitational, and coaching staff so please continue reading to see what’s new! 

This summer we are happy to welcome our new Head Diving Coach, Stephen Reustle.  Stephen’s experience along with enthusiasm and fun approach to diving will be an asset to LMT.  We are also welcoming many new and returning coaches to the program this year.  Check out their impressive bios on the website.   

More specific information about the LMT Swim and Dive Team and meets can be found in the newly revised PARENT ORIENTATIONAL MANUAL.  For new families, this manual will answer many of your questions.  We are asking each registered family to please read, review, and download this manual.  Below I have highlighted some important information that will address some of the schedule changes in the 2008 program:

Practice Times – Be sure to visit the SCHEDULE link on the website for specific practice dates and times.  Due to the increase in membership over the past couple of years, we have changed the morning and afternoon practice schedule to meet the safety and individual needs of all of our swimmers and divers.  Afternoon workouts for 8 and Unders and 9-11 year old swimmers will be split into designated workout days according to gender.  Please see specific practice times for these changes.  When morning workouts begin on June 18, we have added an 11-12 age group practice and will keep all 8 and Unders at the same practice time, with the ability to utilize two pools.

First Day of Practice - Please bring your signed LBSL insurance form and waiver.  We will have Board Members manning a table outside the pool during the first week of practices to ensure each registered swimmer or diver has this completed before beginning practices.  All swimmers and divers must turn in a completed form to attend any practice.

New Swimmer Orientation – Coaches will conduct a skill evaluation session for all new swimmers on Saturday May 31st from 9-12 AM.  For any new swimmer this will be your first day to attend practice.  This session will allow the coaches to evaluate each new swimmer’s needs, and placement recommendations will be discussed with each parent.  Coaches will also be available to answer specific questions for new families to the team. 

LMT Invitational – The date of the LMT Invitational, our team’s largest fundraiser, has been changed from its traditional mid July date to June 20 and 21.  See the website for details and to sign up for worker positions.  Registration for the Invite can be done during team registration as well as at the pool once practice begins. 

Swim Suits (and other equipment) - We were just informed that our “two year” suit from last year has been discontinued.  So, we will be selling a new two year suit (really), very similar to last year’s model, at the suit sales on May 31 or June 6.  Other swim accessories will also be sold at this time.  Swimming fins are required for all swimmers 12 and Under.  Please bring them to practice daily beginning on your first day.  These can be purchased from online swim shops, some local sporting goods stores, or often passed down from swimmers that have outgrown them.

If you need to contact me before the start of practices for specific questions that are not on the website, please e-mail me at heather@lmtswim.com.  After practices have begun, I can be reached in person on the deck after practice sessions. 

It is my hope that you and/or your child enjoy the fitness, competition, and fun that LMT Swim and Dive team fosters while learning a valuable lifetime skill.  I look forward to another successful and fun summer at LMT!

Warm Regards,

Heather Jorris

Head Coach