This page will be updated as USA Swimming, The Gulf and Swim Ohana have new information critical to our team.  

All USA Swimming And Gulf LSC Meets & Events Are Cancelled Though May, 31 2020

Live Drylands Begin 3/30/20

Reopen Ohana Begins 5/18/20

Swim Ohana news, community and video updates.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/468199690219435/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/swimohanaswimteam/?hl=en

Swim Ohana Text Alerts - go to your account page and enter your phone number is SMS box in your contact info.

The Gulf LSC

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/gulfswimminglsc/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARAU3DPHpveBm0TBEACY6fYsxOSCngQWhTuQBieodw5tYtKOAGz-ajGsDHjL7SWnN9UHxqC39UNl4ope

Gulf Text Alerts 

Parents:  Text "SWIMPARENT" to 31996

Official: Text ""GULFOFFICIAL" to 31996

Coaches: Text "GULF" to 31996

USA Swimming

http://www.usaswimming.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USAswimming/

Meet/Season Status

• USA Swimming Regional Meets - All Swimmers - Mid To Late August - Details TBA
• USA Swimming - All Regular Meets Cancelled Through 06/30/20
• USA Swimming Olympic Trials - Rescheduled To June 13-20, 2021
• USA Swimming National Meets - 12/2/2020 Meets Resume
• TYR Pro Series - 11/5/2020 Series Resumes
• Speedo Futures - Cancelled
• Sectionals - Cancelled
• Senior Circuit - TBA
• Southern Zones - Cancelled 
• TAGS - TBA
• Gulf LSC - New Format Meets - TBA
• NWAL - Cancelled 2020 Season

5/16/20 Swim Ohana - Coach Kam

Ohana.  

Schedule is more complicated than it was before.  We are swimming Monday is the bottom line.  Details about group schedules to come soon. 

Stay tuned.  

Coach Kam

5/16/20 Swim Ohana - Coach Liz

Team Meeting 5/17 5:30 PM

Practice begins 5/18

Meeting Topics:

• Schedule Details
• Policy
• Procedure

It is imperative that all athletes and families be familiar with operations.  **Meeting login in your email and on calendar

5/10/20 Swim Ohana - From Coach Kam

Ohana!

This should be our last week doing only dryland Zoom workouts.  I’m confident that the wheels are turning in the right direction to be poolside a week from tomorrow.   This week we will find out from the HOA’s what our schedule will look like and as soon as we can, we will release what our group practice times will be.  

We will have proximity and group size restrictions in place.  Our team’s health and well being is our first priority.   There will be strict rules accompanying our practices, and we will be unyielding in their implementation.  I’m certain as weeks go on, the guidelines will relax as will our rules.   I will err on the side of caution and well-being.  

Our swimmers will have different goals for this season.  Some will set their sights on the upcoming short course.  Some have high school team tryouts coming up.  Some are looking to improve and make up for lost time.  We will all enjoy being back in the pool and this week we will know better how that will look.   

I’m hearing questions regarding swim meets.  I don’t know what that looks like yet.   USA Swimming is said to be organizing regional meets for late summer.   I will pass along the details as soon as they are confirmed.  

While a lot of details have been vague, I want to pass along details as they are confirmed.  In this environment there are many moving parts that we are dealing with but my plan is coming together and we will be back in the pool imminently.  

I’m grateful for your patience and support.   I feel like we’re close and next week will see us move a big step into normalcy.

Aloha nui loa!  Happy Mother's Day,

Coach Kam

5/1/20 USA Swimming Facility Reopening Guidelines  https://www.usaswimming.org/docs/default-source/coaching-resourcesdocuments/covid-19-team-resources/facility-reopening-plan-guidelines.pdf?sfvrsn=8a533a32_2  OSHA Workplace Preparation  https://www.usaswimming.org/docs/default-source/coaching-resourcesdocuments/covid-19-team-resources/osha3990-guidelines-for-covid19.pdf?sfvrsn=86533a32_2

4/29/20 USA Swimming Meet & Event Update Details

https://www.usaswimming.org/news-landing-page/2020/04/27/usa-swimming-events-update?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT1RZNU5qbG1NV1ZsTldWaiIsInQiOiJPbWJ2SFRVZ1lReFVtSVhsMXp2c3lhdjROaGRtYmdsWkZSc0J6YmRSRUw2M250WCsyU1BKcU5IZ29xaHluXC9iNWF6TWE1cERNR2FFc2hlVjlBdUJITG83dVBhYnhPbjdPQ0xYb1wvWVhIZk44TW5YRjQyeHJ3Sk9HM2Q4eXM4YjlNIn0%3D

4/29/20 USA Swimming Support For USA Swimming Clubs 

https://www.usaswimming.org/news-landing-page/2020/04/29/support-for-usa-swimming-clubs?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT1RZNU5qbG1NV1ZsTldWaiIsInQiOiJPbWJ2SFRVZ1lReFVtSVhsMXp2c3lhdjROaGRtYmdsWkZSc0J6YmRSRUw2M250WCsyU1BKcU5IZ29xaHluXC9iNWF6TWE1cERNR2FFc2hlVjlBdUJITG83dVBhYnhPbjdPQ0xYb1wvWVhIZk44TW5YRjQyeHJ3Sk9HM2Q4eXM4YjlNIn0%3D

4/28/20 USA Swimming Announces Recovery Plan And Relief Grants For Clubs

https://www.usaswimming.org/news-landing-page/2020/04/28/usa-swimming-announces-recovery-plan-for-clubs?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTjJKa05XWTBZelV5TW1RMyIsInQiOiJUYlFwWmNUTExFVW9uWUNvMnlBM3BwV29yZDF5VVJsM0tNaStaYjg0WUF1WUZJdFwvSkZpaU5EWFlDbG14KzJSTXBcLzZqWG0rcmRFQlZcLzFSdGJ3XC8xcXRjYXorQ1liTzc0M1BDbk5ucmwreU04VzFYZWt6RUN0SmNuNlB5RFI4MjIifQ%3D%3D

4/26/20 Swim Ohana - From Coach Kam

Ohana,

I know everyone is eager to return to a normal routine!  The most common comment I have heard from parents is that they don’t feel like our “Covid practices” are enough in comparison to our normal swim practices.  I agree with this in principle, but we are in an unprecedented time.  School work is different and doesn’t approach normal and routine medical visits have dramatically changed just to name a couple.  They are getting the job done with the environment and parameters we have available to us right now.  This is not what we expected but it is the very best that we can offer right now.  

Because of our affiliation with USA swimming we do have to follow their guidelines, which we will continue to do.  This week we will be receiving instructions that we expect will loosen our quarantine guidelines and hopefully broaden our scope of service.   To discuss this and other concerns that you may have, we will have a parent meeting/call this Thursday at 7pm.   Please email me with any questions or concerns that I can address during the call.  We will schedule some smaller calls splitting groups up, that will be more interactive.  Look for information regarding those.  

I’m grateful for all of you and for your swimmers.   I’m grateful for my staff and for many of you whom I trust to advise and counsel me, especially during this crazy time.   I’m hopeful that we will soon have practice at our pools.  I’m sure the first few weeks will be different from what we would consider normal.  USA Swimming and the Gulf have cancelled our normal Long Course season and the meets we do have will be very different in both format and venue.  We still don’t know exactly what that will look like, but I’ll let you know as soon as I do.  

Hang in there!  We as coaches are reaching out to you individually this week to check on you and our swimmers.  There are plenty of opportunities to lend a hand within our own swim family and many members who are eager to help out.  In that spirit my staff and I are reaching out to seek out those opportunities.  Please be candid.

There are miracles happening all around us if we look for them.  The best and worst of humanity will come to the surface in these kinds of challenges, lets make sure we show our gratitude for the best and our forgiveness and perseverance for the worst.   

I look forward to talking with you Thursday.  

Imua!

Coach Kam

426/20 Swim Ohana - From Coach Liz

4/23/20 From Swim Ohana, The Gulf & Coach Liz

Ohana,

Two things:  Meets & Olympian Mom Parent Meeting (And a surprise)

1.  This news came to us today from the Gulf.  There is not way around this being bad news for our kids; however, I am hearing some very fun, exciting, and creative ways all teams will be able to compete as soon as government guidelines change.  All Gulf Sponsored meets are cancelled through 8/31/20.  This means any Gulf Open or Champs meet is no longer happening.  However, at this time USA Swimming is going to sanction meets beginning 6/1/20.  This means meets that are not Gulf sponsered (ie, many times we have swam at TWST, where we were going this April to A&M, and others) will be able to take place.  Basically, some meets are cancelled, some are not.

For now - Gulf meets, Zones meets and national level USA Swimming meets ae cancelled.  Local meets will happen they will just be different.  Sectional meets and TAGS are still to be announced.  We will keep you posted as we know.

2.  This one is more fun!  Elisabeth Biesel is one of our most decorated Olympians and her mother who is not only an accomplished swim mom but also an important official within USA Swimming, will be at our next Gulf Town Hall Meeting for parents and coaches.  Below is more information and how to register for the event.

PS If you have read this far, Ohana also has a special surprise coming next week - once details are confirmed, you will be notified.

4/19/20 Swim Ohana - From Coach Kam

Ohana!!

As eager as everyone is to get back to a schedule that is a little more normal, I hope y’all are taking advantage of the time together with your family.  

Journal entries that you make right now will be historical and cherished, full of personal insights into your life’s priorities.  

I hope you’re enjoying the different kinds of work outs we have outside of the pool.  I feel like we are close to getting back to the water.  Time will tell.  In the mean time stay healthy and strong.  Ohana you are in my prayers that you won’t be adversely affected by this.  I’ll see you this week on zoom.    This week we will continue with the same schedule.  

A big thank you go to my coaching staff for making this time as productive as is possible.  Thank you to coach Liz and her willingness to create an interesting as well as effective workout curriculum for us.  

Aloha nui loa,

Coach Kam

4/13/20 Swim Ohana - Update From Coach Liz

Ohana, 

As usual a few things...

• Thank you to all of the families who participated in our thank you coloring for Houston Northwest Hospital staff - the turnout was better than expected!  We are working on some new activities to give back.  If you would like to be involved or have some ideas please email Coach Liz.
• This week, as Coach Kam mentioned, we are in round 3 of drylands.  Any play/aerobic activity in addition to what we are doing is encouraged but certainly not required.  Family sports, going for a run, walking the dog yardwork, etc.
• If you have yet to send a waiver for dryland participation, please log in and go to LIVE Dryalnds tab for instructions
• The Gulf is hosting a parent meeting tomorrow 4/14 - you can find this at link below.
• CG Sports and Fitter & Faster are both hosting some incredible free webinars for athletes and families.  Also at link below.

https://www.teamunify.com/NewsShow.jsp?&eeeee=txso&id=698577&team=txso

Hope all had an enjoyable and meaningful Easter weekend!  

Coach Liz

4/12/20 From Swim Ohana - Coach Liz

Ohana!

Happy Easter everyone.  I hope everyone is taking advantage of the together time with whom you are quarantined.  

Our scheduled dry land routine will continue this week with hopes that we’ll be able to return to our pool practices soon.  

Thank you goes out to those who participated in our service project making special thank you cards.  I find that when I’m feeling sorry for myself if I turn my attention outwards to the needs of those around me, it makes my needs more bearable, and sometimes more trivial.  

Thank you my Ohana!

Aloha

Coach Kam

4/9/30 From Swim Ohana - Coach Liz

Ohana,

Hope this finds you all well!

• We are having our dryland sessions tomorrow (Good Friday) and Monday.  Happy Easter to all!
• Coloring Pages for Houston Northwest Hospital are due tomorrow.  Addresses to drop them can be found under "Coronavirus Info" and then "Volunteering"
• We still need several waivers for athletes participate in LIVE drylands.  The waiver can be found when logged in under "LIVE Drylands".

Any questions are welcome.

It has been so fun to see all the kids lately and some parents as they pass through the room!  Very much missing all of our Ohana!  

Coach Liz

4/7/20 Swim Ohana - Mahalo to Houston Northwest Hospital Workers

Ohana, 

Many thanks to Rebecca Patel for creating a Swim Ohana coloring page for hosptials workers and first responders.  IT IS AWESOME!!  I don't usually color but I will now.  It is certainly a million times better than the generic pages I posted yesterday.

For our Houston Northwest Hospital thank you cards, they are due 4/10.

For more information please see News under Coronavirus tab.

4/7/20 From The Gulf - Coach & Parent Meeting

4/5/20 From Swim Ohana - Coach Liz

Ohana,

Couple of things for today and this week...

1.  Tonight 4/5 7:00 Missy Franklin is having a free webinar for parents and athletes in the Gulf. The registration information is under Training Resources tab on our site.  In this tab, you will also find more things Missy and other resources our families may find beneficial during this time.

2.  If you have not turned in a waiver for LIVE Drylands please go to the tab, complete the form and send to me. Athletes may not participate until we have waiver.

3.  Zoom Session Info - Please do not share our meeting information with anyone other than the child who will be participating. The athletes can use the link when logged in to our page or the Meeting ID/Password combination.  This procedure will protect our sessions from unintended participants.

4.  Navigating the website during this time.  When you are not logged in to your account you will find in the top menu "Coronavirus Information" (all things related to team and local changes, updates, etc) and "Training Resources" (where you will find swim resources that are free and useful for our families to use as wanted).  Once you log into your account a private team tab will pop up, "LIVE Drylands".  This is where you will find the waiver, schedules, how to join sessions, FAQs, etc.

Still missing all of you and wishing your family a happy Sunday!  See you tomorrow.

Coach Liz

http://www.SwimOhana.com

3/31/20 Swim Ohana - Coach Liz

 
Ohana,

Very good last night to see sooooo many faces in our meeting.  Bear with us as we learn to be techies, please.  If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask.

For the waivers, if you sent it, I have it.  Thank you to all who have done so already!

Today is the group meeting for all groups with their lead coaches!  Get the techie kinks worked out, kids can say hello to each other and the staff, and more.  

Tomorrow we begin actually exercising!  So ready - this coach needs an outlet!  Don't forget those waivers to me in order to participate in drylands.

Today meeting is a separate login from regular dryland meetings beginning April 1.  I am copying from the website the details for all of you. 

March 30-31 Each athlete needs:

1.  Set up their Zoom account on device of their choice. https://www.zoom.us/

2.  Plan where they will be doing drylands with us.  This space must provide a enough space between athlete and device that coaching staff can see the athlete head to toe .  Also, a space where they can move without getting hurt, preferably not break anything, and works for their household.

March 30-31 Parent Action Items

1.  Help kids with above.

2.  Sign the waiver and send back to Ohana via email to elizboston@gmail.com Document can be found here: 

   https://www.teamunify.com/txso/__doc__/Swim%20Ohana%20Liability%20Release%20Form.pdf

• Method 1:  Print physical copy, sign and send in.
• Method 2:  Electronic Signature and Scanner Apps.  Both Below

If you need an electronic signature app, can get pc or mobile app free here

https://www.signnow.com/

If you need a scanner, you can get Adobe Scanner App free in Apple Store.  Or click here https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/mobile/scanner-app.html

3. Share Account Owner member login information for Swim Ohana site with children.  Only logged in members will be able to see the LIVE session information.  

3/30/20 11:18 AM From Coach Liz

Ohana,  With USA Swimming releasing the parameters we must adhere to for remote coaching last Friday, we are now ready to roll out our program for the kids.  Our goal is to not only work on their fitness but also provide some sense of community and normalcy.  Today (we just cannot wait to get this going)... 5:00 we have a live call for all kids and parents.  Critical information will be shared. Please join us. Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.   https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/942362013   You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)   United States: +1 (646) 749-3112 - One-touch: tel:+16467493112,,942362013#   Access Code: 942-362-013   Moving forward for waiver, schedules, login information, etc, everything will be posted on the website.  The page itself is "LIVE Drylands" on the main header tab.  This section will ONLY be available to logged in account holders.  https://www.teamunify.com/TabGeneric.jsp?_tabid_=230598&team=txso

3/28/20 6:16 PM From Coach Kam

3/27/20 Remote Drylands Parameters - From USA Swimming

• Members: Only registered USA Swimming members may participate in the training
• Supervision ratio: The Coach/Instructor to athlete ratio shall be no greater than 1:8 (1 coach per 8 athletes)
• Recommended exercise: Training shall consist primarily of body weight or light resistance exercises
• Spatial limitations: Coach shall ensure the athlete is in an open space free from obstruction prior to training.
• Content: All content must be professional in nature.
• Timing of training: All video training must take place between the hours of 8:00 am – 8:00 pm and may not take place on a social media platform. (You may use Zoom, Google, Skype, etc.)
• Parent/3 ^rd party Adult involvement: If there is only one minor athlete and coach conducting the training, the minor’s legal guardian must be present and able to observe the training and video.
• For any group setting, at least one other adult, in addition to the coach, must be present and able to view the video activity during the training session.
• The parents should sign a release for at home dryland training.

3/22/20 1:42 PM From Coach Kam

Ohana,

I’m sorry.   The paragraph having to do with lessons was poorly thought out.  In addition to the concern I have for my team family and how this disaster is affecting them, I am concerned for my coaching staff as I’m sure you are too.  I didn’t mean for it to sound like you may pay for lessons even though you paid for March and received nothing for it, but you can pay more if you want lessons.  In hind sight and after speaking with several of you since writing it, it really didn’t come out right.  

Most of the NWAL summer league teams are delaying their start until the 11th of May.  This means if they open up group restrictions I will be able to make March up to many of you by having some special swim clinics focused on the most popular racing elements before we have to share pool space with summer league.  

Again, sorry for the way that came across in an already stressful situation.  

Aloha nui loa,

Coach Kam

3/22/20  12:48 PM From Coach Kam 

Ohana,

I need to clarify.  The pool is closed to practice.   The lessons I'm referring to are regular Private Lessons that you contact a coach and pay them directly to do a lesson because we can't have groups at the pools for practice.  Each coach has their lesson rate, please.  I don't expect many of these next week, but I'm not cancelling the possibility of them for now.  

Sorry for the confusion.  
 

Coach Kam 

3/22/20 12:11 PM From Coach Kam

Ohana!

March is certainly a month for the history books.  I’ve put much thought and prayer into how to proceed every step of the way.  This week we will not have regular practices.   As we approached each of you to RSVP for the way we were structuring practice I got some feel for how y’all were feeling, and many of you expressed concern about having practice even with small group sizes.  I’m going to err on the side of caution for our kids, and I’m good with that.  

This week my coaches will be available for lessons.   We will coordinate times so that we limit the pool use to a few people at all times it’s used.  Private or semi-private lessons to keep numbers small.  

I feel optimistic that April will see a difference in what we are allowed to do.  I know that dues will become a concern as paychecks reflect furloughed or reduced hours for our community, as well as simply not swimming.  I’ll be discussing what we will do with my board and as soon as possible, and I will let you know what I will do.

During these times many will focus on the negatives and the ugliness that we see.  Be ever watchful because these times are full of miracles and tender mercies.  I would encourage all of us to start a journal, or keep up on our journals to make record of these experiences.  There will be great lessons learned from this time.  In the future we will draw from this experience and wisdom and be more prepared to guide those who aren’t seeing this first hand now.  

I love my swim family.  I worry about my swimmers, both for their season but more importantly their well-being. This too will pass.  Use this time to re-realize the truly important things in our lives.  Channel your inner Hawaiian and hang a little more loose><ü just with fewer people around you!

Imua!

Coach Kam

320/20 4:50 PM From Coach Kam

Ohana!

We had next week’s modified schedule that we had you RSVP for ready to roll out.  About an hour ago I was notified by the HOA at Country Lake Etates that due to Gov. Abbott’s mandate they are closing the clubhouse and pool until the 10 or less rule is lifted.  

We are rescheduling the practice groups for next week utilizing only MNW.  I know it is what it is, and it’s currently a little nutty.  I know it’s even less notice, but we will plan to release the new schedule by Sunday mid day.  

Mahalo!

Coach Kam

3/18/20 4:54 PM From Swim Ohana

3/18/20 12:34 PM From Coach Kam

3/16/20 5:10 PM From Swim Ohana

As of now we are still monitoring the trends.  Below USA swimming effectively cancelled all meets through 4/30/20 - if our A&M meet is rescheduled at any time we will alert our families as soon as possible.  Look to hear from us again soon.

3/16/20 4:19 PM From USA Swimming 

3/12/20 8:17 PM From Swim Ohana

Ohana, 

First and foremost, the A&M meet has been cancelled as of about an hour ago.  The host is tentatively holding 4/24-26 as the reschedule date.  The deadline for entries is extended until 4/2.  

Coach Kam released that we will be pushing back our practice start day until 3/23/20.

A "News" page has been created specifically to keep you updated with information from USA Swimming, The Gulf, and Swim Ohana.  

You can find the page from our home page, scroll down to NEWS or under Team Info tab.  As it is updated all families will be notified.    https://www.teamunify.com/NewsShow.jsp?returnPage=/News.jsp&id=698069&team=txso

With our pushed back start date, the best thing we can do for our kids is keep them active daily.  Next week look for some specific things from me  they can do at home if you need ideas.

Prayers for all of you and our whole world!

Coach Liz

3/12/20 7:04 PM From The Gulf

1. Avoid getting closer than six feet to anyone coughing or sneezing; 
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that has 60-95% alcohol. This is especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
4. Cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow if you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands;
5. Stay home if you are sick, and away from the pool and from fellow team members;
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly;
7. Monitor the WHO and CDC websites for travel advisories and follow their recommendations.

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html#situation-in-us
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

3/12/20 4:42 PM From Swim Ohana

Ohana!

In light of our county school districts extending spring break for another week, and that it’s a good idea, I am extending our swim break another week.  This situation will be fluid and I will keep y’all posted.  

Officially I am cancelling all practices next week and we will plan on resuming our practices on Monday March 23rd unless otherwise communicated by me.  

Be alert and keep personal distances when out in public.  Wash hands and avoid touching things you don’t have to.  

Be safe, this too will pass.  

Aloha,

Coach Kam

3/12/20 3:09 PM from USA Swimming

1. Avoid getting closer than six feet to anyone coughing or sneezing; 
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that has 60-95% alcohol. This is especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
4. Cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow if you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands;
5. Stay home if you are sick, and away from the pool and from fellow team members;
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly;
7. Monitor the WHO and CDC websites for travel advisories and follow their recommendations.

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html#situation-in-us
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

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