Hello makos,

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Most importantly, a reminder that the St. Paddy's Splash at Gulf Shores will be taking place this Friday at the Bodenhamer Rec Center. I have a total of 15 athletes attending and a couple of athlete entry fees still need to be received. If you have not yet done so, please call or visit the OBAC front desk TODAY and we will assist you. Athletes with outstanding entry fees by EOD will not compete in Friday's competition. 

I should have warm-up assignments from GS later this week. The meet is to start at 5:30 p.m., so I imagine warm-up will be around 4:30 or 5 o'clock for us. Stay tuned!

Can you believe that Summer is just around the corner!?! I've been busy getting our schedule in order for both rec level swimmers and our USAS athletes. Registration for summer swim (May 27-July 25) will open on April 1st! If you need to take a peek at the schedule, the practice schedule is published on SwimTopia (as well as the city website). The meet schedule is available under the "Meets & Events" tab on SwimTopia as well. At this time, we will still have afternoon practices due to swim lesson programing and EE camp taking over the pool from 8-3:30 p.m. 

This summer, I will also be hosting private coaching sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays for competitive swimmers and expereienced athletes who would like some one-on-one time to work on technique and skills. 

OFFICIALS NEEDED! It is evident that we will be needing "volunteers" to work the swim meets we host in the future. As previously stated, if you become a certified official and/or stroke & turn judge, you will be compensated by the city at $30/hour.

We will need a meet director (console operator), 2-4 stroke & turn judges (in case someone can't be present), 1 referee, 1 starter, and an admin official. Please let me know if you are interested!

Five Reasons to Become an Official:

1. You’ll be working with other passionate people and benefiting the community!
2. You’ll be close to the action – the best seats in the house to watch your child(ren) swim!
3. A highly satisfying duty with pay incentive!
4. A free meal in hospitality!
5. It’s a great way to meet future Olympians. ;)

>>> Become an official for USA Swimming! <<<

You’ll need to become a member of USA Swimming. Depending upon the requirements of your Southeastern Swimming, a new Official may have to attend a clinic, take an official’s test (which is available online), work as an apprentice to get your on-the-job training, and then … call the shots and have fun!

Lastly, would anyone be interested in additional travel meets this season?!? I took the Panama City meet off of our calender because I didn't feel like there would be interest... but if we have a handful of swimmers committed, I will gladly make arrangements.

I appreciate y'all! Thanks for supporting OBST!

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