Pagosa Lakes Swim Club

Pagosa Lakes Swim Club is looking for youngsters who enjoy swimming and who like to compete. Started in 1988 when swimming meant splashing around in Cotton Hole (ask an old-timer if you don't know), the club has developed into one of the strongest competitive swim clubs on the western slope on Colorado.

The team trains Tuesday and Thursday from September to January at 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. From February until May, practices are conducted from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Friday from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. Once school is out, beginning June 1, practices will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Each swimmer is expected to attend three practices a week.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in the swim team, the following are some requirements. New swimmers are expected to have the ability to swim 25 yards freestyle and 25 yards backstroke without stopping. If your child is unable to do so, private swim lessons should be arranged beforehand.

There will be a two-week trial period for a new swimmer before the following requirements have to be met. Every swimmer is required to have a current recreation membership, U.S. Swimming Association registration, and to pay a monthly $20.00 team fee ( $15.00 for every subsequent child in the same family). USSA registration is $25.00 for the year and this is required for insurance purposes.

Swimmers are also required to purchase their own team suits. Mandatory participation in the annual fund-raising swim-a-thon covers travel expenses for the swim team coach and cost of any training equipment.

When competition gets going, generally in late spring, registration fees at meets run about $2 to $3 per event entered. Parents should add to that the cost of travel and lodging. At most swim meets in the summer, camping areas are available and lodging costs can be kept to a minimum by camping. Each swimmer must compete in at least three meets each season.

The continued success of this swim program will depend on the hard work of the swimmers, the support of the parents, and the quality of the training provided by the coach Jennifer Fenton and assistant coach Steve Williams.

Although this is clearly a major family commitment, the rewards justify the efforts. Competitive swimming is a marvelous sport; it encourages self-discipline and builds self-confidence.

Interested parents and swimmers can call the coach, Jennifer Fenton, at 731-0717, or stop by the Recreation Center after practice.

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