Frequently Asked Questions

Do swimmers need to be Wellsley Residents?

Yes, the swim team is only open to children who are residents of the Wellsley Community.

How is my child's age group determined?

A swimmer’s age group is defined by his or her age on June 1 of the current swim season. For example: a child who turns 7 on July 3rd would swim with the 6 and unders for the whole summer.

My child isn't a fast swimmer, but they are eager to be on the swim team. What should I do?

Being a fast swimmer is not a requirement to be on the swim team! For safety reasons, Wave swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards (one length of the pool), unassisted and without hanging on the lane lines in order to participate in swim meets. For 6 and unders, they must have understanding of water safety and be able to get back to the wall safely. . We highly recommend having prior swim lessons to prepare them for the swim team. 6 and unders swim 15 yards at the swim meets. If you are uncertain whether your child is ready, please reach out to a swim team board member. The first two weeks of practices will be an evaluation period. After that, the parents will be contacted if the coaches have any concerns about the ability of a child to safely participate as a member on swim team. At the coaches’ discretion, swimmers unable to safely practice yet with their age group may be asked to get private lessons to achieve competency quickly, or wait another year. Swim lessons outside of swim practice are encouraged for new swimmers and those learning new strokes.

Do coaches want to be notified if a child will miss practice?

Please notify the coaches if your child will miss practice for an extended period of time.

Do swimmers swim all 4 strokes and 2 relays at a meet?

Each swimmer usually swims 3 individual events (or only 2 for 6 and unders). Relays are assigned by the Head Coaches. Relays are formed when there are enough swimmers. Over the course of the season, the coaches make an attempt to give all swimmers chances to swim in relays.

If a swimmer cannot make it to the mock meet, what happens?

These swimmers will be placed in last heats of their first meet, without any times. However, the times from the meet will then be used for future placement in events.

Who will assign swimmers the strokes they will swim at a meet?

The head coaches create the lineup based on swimmers' ability.

Do the swimmers get ribbons?

Yes! Swimmers in main heats will receive an official place ribbon. Secondary heats of children age 10 and under will receive heat winner/participation ribbons immediately after they swim. Relays and individual ribbons will be distributed at practice a few days after the swim meet.

Where can I get swim lessons for my child?

• Check out the bulletin board at the Wellsley pool! Many coaches, swimmers, and lifeguards offer swim lessons over the summer.
• Morrisville Community Center
• YMCA
• TAC
• Aqua-Tots

Where can I get prescription swim goggles?

One option is to check out this web site: aquagoggles.com

What are the links for other associated organizations?

• Tarheel Swim Association , better known as TSA, is the member organization for our neighborhood swim team. Visit the website to find information and forms about TSA and all it's member swim teams, summer schedules, standings, and more. One of the goals of TSA is to encourage kids to swim year-round; listed above are some of the year-round swim clubs in our area. Click here to see the TSA summer swim teams schedules for meets and also for clinics (required for some key swim meet positions).
• Wellsley Homeowners Association
• Wellsley HOA Pool Committee external website - This page lists the Wellsley neighborhood pool committee members along with the contact information for an external organization (our pool management company, contracted by the Home Owners Association) that hires the lifeguards and maintains the Wellsley neighborhood pool