Hi Waves Families,

As we prepare for the upcoming season and the installation of our new starting blocks, swimmer safety remains our top priority.

Per ASA guidance, racing starts should be taught and certified in water that is at least 6 feet deep. The deepest part of the Windermere pool, where our new starting blocks are located, is 5 feet deep. Because of this, we will be taking swimmers offsite to complete racing start certification in a deeper-water setting before they are permitted to use the blocks at Windermere.

Please know that this is not unique to Windermere. Other neighboring teams are also completing this process to ensure swimmers are properly certified before using starting blocks.

Practices begin Monday, May 11, and our Mock Meet is scheduled for Thursday, May 21. In order for swimmers to use the starting blocks during the Mock Meet or any future meets, they must complete the racing start certification process.

We have secured pool time at Swim Atlanta Johns Creek for the following certification sessions: (Please go to https://windermerewaves.swimtopia.com/ , select the Calendar Tab, Go to Racing Start Certification, on the day you will be attending, please select the RSVP button and select swimmers that will be attending.) We will be there during this entire time, so if another time frame works better for you family, we understand.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM

6&U 2pm to 2:15pm

7-8 2:15pm to 2:40pm

9-10 2:40pm to 3pm

11 & up 3pm to 3:20pm

Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM

6&U 2pm to 2:15pm

7-8 2:15pm to 2:40pm

9-10 2:40pm to 3pm

11 & up 3pm to 3:20pm

All Waves swimmers who may use starting blocks this season must attend one of these sessions.

The only swimmers exempt from completing this certification process are those who are already high school swimmers or Waves coaches.

Swimmers who do not complete certification may still participate in practices and meets, but they will be required to start from the water until certified.

This process is not meant to be stressful or intimidating. It is simply an added safety measure to ensure every swimmer is prepared, confident, and safe before using the blocks. Our coaches will work with swimmers in a supportive, age-appropriate way.

Additional details regarding arrival instructions and what to bring will be shared closer to the date.

Thank you for helping us keep safety at the forefront while still creating a fun and positive swim season.

Go Waves!