Volunteers are categorized into three groups: Coaches, Swimming Assistants, and Lifeguards. Because we’re a team, everyone pitches in to make sure everything is covered at all times. So volunteers may be asked to do many things. All involve being extremely attentive to the athletes and keeping things safe at all times. Here’s some of the things that you’ll be doing.
SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Make sure athletes are never on starting platforms, that there is no diving (ever!), and that there is generally a safe and attentive environment at all times on the pool deck, in the pool, in the locker rooms and bathrooms. We have a nurse on the pool deck at all times and two lifeguards. Do not hesitate to ask them for assistance at any time. Never let an athlete leave the practice area without personally ensuring they are with their designated parent or guardian.
SWIMMER ASSISTANCE
Work one-on-one with swimmers, encourage and assist them into the water and keep pace with them as they swim laps. Remind them to take breaks if they seem tired, urge them on if they need prodding, and warn them about approaching pool edges, the end of the lane or other nearby swimmers. You’ll be walking/swimming in the lane with your partner athlete the whole time.
LANE MANAGEMENT
Remain at the start and end of lane and give swimmers a focal point for their “goal line,” time swimmers’ laps, and rotate and pace athletes to keep safe distance between swimmers.
TRANSITIONING
Greet athletes and guide them to locker room to get changed. Guide them to the bench area, into warm-ups, into and out of the pool. At the end of practice, guide them back to lockers or bench area to dry off and change, gather up their gear and walk them to their parent or guardian. NEVER let an athlete leave practice without personally handing them off to their responsible “person”.
BATHROOM ESCORT
In the event an athlete needs to leave the pool area during practice to go to the locker room or bathroom, they should never go unattended. All are capable of taking care of things by themselves, but we need to go with them to make sure no one slips or requests assistance. If that happens, please get Luke or Ellen immediately so they can take appropriate actions.
CLEAN-UP
Pick up any trash on the pool deck and in the locker rooms. Retrieve any personal items left behind in the locker rooms, in the bench area or on the pool deck and give it to the athlete it belongs to. If you can’t tell, give it to Luke and he will try to ensure it gets back to the right person. This goes for all volunteer gear and belongings, too.
MORALE OFFICER
A big part of everything we do is making sure the practice is fun. Encourage athletes to swim their best, to try harder and to push themselves. Clapping, smiling, high-fiving, and fist-bumping are a big part of this. Have fun. Enjoy getting to know the athletes and letting them get to know you.
ASSIST COACHES
Be aware at all times about what’s happening on the pool deck and in the pool. Be ready to assist Ellen, Mrs. Aponte, Mrs. Abberton, Mrs. Sullivan, Luke, Steven, Quinn and Massimo if a need arises. For example, if a coach spots an athlete trying to go to the locker room on their own, they may flag the nearest volunteer to go with the athlete. And don’t be afraid to be extra eyes and ears on your own. If you see something the coaches should be aware of, tell them. If you see an athlete or fellow volunteer acting unsafely, step up and get involved.
LIFEGUARDING
Shark Waves lifeguards must have current Nassau County and CPR/AED certifications. We need to have two lifeguards present at every practice, or we are not permitted to use the pool. One will be in the chair and the other on deck. They will rotate places as they see fit throughout the practice session.
Shark Waves Swim Team 