Hello Again,

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with questions about this issue. I sincerely apologize for the number of emails, but I want to make sure everyone has a clear understanding. When situations like this arise, it’s easy to be so involved that we forget others may not have the full context. I took a step back to better explain what’s happening and what we need to accomplish.

Last summer, an ASA team experienced an incident where a swimmer was injured after diving from a platform. While I won’t share details, it prompted ASA to review current training practices and rules. The ASA rulebook has long required Racing Start Certification (simply put, diving certification) for all new swimmers. Like many rules, enforcement can become relaxed over time, until something brings it back into focus. That’s where we are now.

Additionally, the Waves Board recently installed new starting platforms that are properly measured for our pool depth and securely anchored. While we always want our program to be fun, safety must come first.

This is not just a Waves issue; it applies to all teams in our area. ASA requires that Racing Start Certification be completed in water that is at least 6 feet deep. Since our pool is only 5 feet deep, we’ve had to secure an alternate location. We are very grateful to Swim Atlanta (Johns Creek) for offering us pool time next weekend, and we are working to add more dates and locations.

If your swimmer has not yet completed the certification, they can still participate in meets. They will simply start in the water rather than from the starting blocks. There is no penalty, though we know many swimmers are eager to dive from the blocks!

Racing Start Certification Information:

• Swimmers only need to complete this certification once, and it will remain valid as long as they are with Waves. Moving forward, this will apply only to new swimmers.
• All Waves swimmers age 10 and under must complete certification.
• Ripples: If your swimmer may move up to 6 & Under this season, we strongly recommend completing certification if you’re able to attend a session. 
• Swimmers age 11 and older with a current USA Swimming Premium Athlete membership are exempt. Please email a copy of the membership card to [email protected] (must be 11 as of 5/31/2026 and must have copy of membership card on file with the Waves)
• Swimmers age 11 and older without this membership must complete certification.
• Waves coaches are already certified and will review procedures again before working with swimmers.

We know this update is coming at a busy time just before the season begins, and we appreciate your patience as we work through it. Our goal is to keep all swimmers safe while continuing to have a fun and positive season.

RSVPing for Racing Start Certification: (Computer)

• Go to https://windermerewaves.swimtopia.com/
• Click Calendar
• Scroll to Racing Start Certification
• Click on the Green RSVP button on the Right for the day you prefer
• Select which swimmer(s) will be attending
• Click Save

RSVPing for Racing Start Certification: (SwimTopia App on phone)

• Open App
• Scroll down and select the day you want to do the Racing Start Certification
• Click on the blue & white RSVP button
• Select which swimmer(s) will be attending
• Click Save

Please don’t hesitate to contract me with any questions. 

GO WAVES!!! 

Thanks A Million,

Amanda A. Tantanella
Team Representative
770.231.1259