Happy Tuesday, makos! I hope everyone enjoyed their time off yesterday. 

Circling back from last week's newsletter... 

1) I have the krewe meeting for the Mardi Gras parade tomorrow morning, but as of now, all logistics are the same. I will keep you posted on any changes. We did switch trailers to a covered wagon trailer. This actually makes our lives easier as we will have the cover removed and a ceiling to work with for our decorations. I just about have everything ordered decoration-wise and we will have access to the trailer the week ahead of the parade. Honestly, I think we will be alright with what we are working with to meet that Monday (March 3rd) before the parade to get everything set up. 

All participants riding and/or walking will need to wear an OBST shirt and all kids will be provided a shark fin to wear. I have heard from 9 families with a total of 21 people thus far. If you plan to be a part of the parade, please RSVP via SwimTopia. 

I realize Mardi Gras break is March 3rd-5th, therefore no swim practice, however, please make an effort to support the team for the parade and its preparations. 

2) The entry deadline for Region 4 Championship in Pensacola Feb 28th-March 2nd is now closed. I have received all fees for entries on time -- THANK YOU! I will share warm-up details closer to date, but I am looking forward to this weekend of swimming. We have three ladies competing in the 500 freestyle for the first time on Friday night!

For those not swimming in the meet, there will still be practice held on Friday, 2/28 by Coach Baylen. 

3) St. Paddy's Splash is what Gulf Shores is calling the meet held at the Bodenhamer on Friday, 3/21. Please mark your child's attendance by March 14th and have the $15 entry fee paid no later than March 17th. 

4) Calling all who are interested in Stroke & Turn officiating! If you would like to become a USAS official, please contact me. You will have to complete an online course and shadow an already registered official at a USAS meet. Once that is done, you'll be paid by the city $30/hour per competition you observe. 

5) For those who haven't gotten the required equipment for their swimmer, please visit the "Uniform & Equipment" page under the "Programs" tab in SwimTopia. Our club portal with Swim & Tri is set up and you may access it here: https://www.SwimAndTri.com/TeamView_OrangeBeachSwimTeamAL.aspx

If you are looking for team shirts, both the classic OBST shortsleeve and the Got Grit? longsleeve are for sale at the front desk of OBAC. 

6) Registration for summer swim lesson programs and swim team will open for OB residents on April 1st and to the public on April 8th! Please feel free to spread the word or share our posts on social media. Speaking of, if you haven't already, please follow @obstmakos on Facebook and Instagram. Help us spread the mako spirit! 

Have a fantastic week! :)

Dakota Heflin
Orange Beach Swim Team, Head Coach
Programs Coordinator | Parks and Recreation
City of Orange Beach
P. O. Box 458 | 4853 Wilson Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
o: 251-974-7946
c. 941-993-2734
www.orangebeachal.gov