This message is primarily for newer Gator parents and we're including everyone in case they get questions themselves. 

Following several of our recommendations not to have your newer swimmer swim in Time Trials and the B-Meet with Waynewood, we're offering input on when your new swimmer should swim (or at least consider swimming) in a meet. 

It is generally recommended that the youngest/newest swimmers have their first meet experience at Romp in the Swamp (7/17) or, if they are progressing quickly and feeling confident, the Green & White Meet (7/1). Romp in the Swamp is essentially a Gators-only meet centered entirely around fun. We do team cheers, give the swimmers some kind of swag (e.g., decorated swim caps), and focus on our new teammates’ first swims (even allowing less confident swimmers to use fins and kickboards, if preferred). It’s all about building confidence and hopefully helping them associate swim meets with friends and fun. Green and White is similarly geared toward fun, although we limit entries to those who can swim unassisted.

Regardless of when they have their first swim, we want it to be a positive experience. As always, please feel free to send an email [email protected] or visit with us at the pool if you have questions.