Q: Do we practice in the rain? Even in heavy rain?
This question always ranks number one and the
answer is YES! Rain is water and when you’re swimming, you are in the water anyway, so wet is wet – right? The only ones who get "rain
wet" during rainy practices are the coaches. Parents usually seek cover. The only time a practice is called on account of rain is
during a thunderstorm.
This also means that meets, too, are held in the rain. And they have been during some pretty rainy days. In these situations everyone gets wet, except the chickens.
Q: What if my child cannot make a meet?
If your child cannot make a
meet, please notify the coaches as soon as possible, particularly if they are already scheduled to swim. Please notify the coaches
also, if for some reason your child will be late to a meet.
Q: What should the swimmers eat before and during a meet – what
should they avoid?
Your swimmer should eat foods rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are classified into starches, which are found
mainly in grains, legumes (beans), and tubers (potatoes); and sugars, which are found in plants and fruits. The carbohydrates containing
the most nutrients are found in unrefined grains, tubers, vegetables, and fruit, which also provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and
fats. Carbohydrates are burned during metabolism to produce energy.
Avoid foods made from refined sugar, such as candy and soft drinks,
which are high in calories but low in nutrients and fill the body with what nutritionists call empty calories.
Before a meet, eat
a light breakfast such as cereal, toast or fruits, enough to give you some energy, but not so much that you feel too "full" to swim.
During the meet you may also want to snack on fruits or foods containing grains to sustain your energy.
And...drink plenty of water!
It gets pretty hot on that pool deck between events. Also stay in the shade and wear sunscreen.
Q: What should swimmers keep
in their swim bags?
Their bathing suit, towel and goggles are essential. At least two pair of goggles is highly recommended. Many
times goggle straps or nosepieces break during meets. Not to mention that they also get misplaced.
For girls especially, swim caps
are essential to keeping their hair under control. The rubber caps will also help to keep your head warm and lessen heat loss.
Since
summer can be chilly, especially after getting out of a cold pool, sweat pants, sweat shirt or T-shirts are also good items to pack.
Maybe a hat. Sun Screen!
Healthful snacks, water, and boredom busters to pass the time between events are also good to have in your
swim bag.
Q: Is swimmer's ear common?
Swimmer's ear is very common but can be prevented. Up to 10 percent of people develop
external otitis during their lifetime.
Q: How can swimmer's ear be prevented?
Swimmer's ear is caused by water remaining in
the ear canal for a long period of time; that is, several hours or more. To prevent swimmer's ear the water must not be allowed to
remain in the ear canal after swimming.
Most often the water will run out on its own or can be coaxed out by leaning to the side,
thumping the head, hopping on one foot, and the like. Also, pure alcohol (not rubbing alcohol, which is 30 percent water) can be dropped
into the ear after swimming and then allowed to run out. This removes the bulk of the water. The remaining alcohol evaporates quickly
from the ear canal, leaving no retained liquid.
