Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
OAKWOOD ATHLETIC CLUB
2015 Mako Sharks Summer Swim Team
Information Packet
Welcome to the Mako Sharks Swim Team!
Save These Important Dates:
Informational Meeting
Early Bird Sign Up Last Day
First Day of Swim Practice
Time Trial #1
Parent Meeting: Parent Jobs
Parent Meeting: New to Swim team
Summer Season Kickoff/Time Trial #2
Thursday, March 11th 5:30pm
Monday, March 30th 11:00pm
Monday, April 13th
Monday, April 20th during practice
Thursday, April 23rd 5:30pm
Thursday, May 14th 5:30pm
Sunday, May 17th 11am-1:30pm
Head Coach: Mike Milliman, mikem@oakwoodathleticclub.com
Swim Team Website: oakwoodmakosharks.com
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
Coaching Staff
Michael Milliman, PhD. Head Coach, (April – August) “Mike” is starting his 16th
season with Oakwood Athletic Club. He has 39 years of head coaching experience,
with 27 years as USS Head Coach of Age Group, Senior and National Teams. This
includes 9 years as head coach of the Walnut Creek Aquabears. Mike is a life member
of the American Swimming Coaches Association, with level 4 Coach Certification.
Mike has taught and coached all levels of swimming from novice to National Champs.
Linda Buchanan, Assistant Coach (April-August). Sixth season with Oakwood. Linda
has 24 years coaching age group and masters swimming. She was a Division II
College All-American, Masters Swimming National Champion. Linda is a former
National and World Champion Triathlete.
Jon Huppke, Assistant Coach (February – August) Jon is a graduate of Full Sail
University, with a degree in Music Production. Jon has extensive teaching experience
with younger swimmers (6 and younger) teaching both in Florida and California. Jon
has also coached a US Masters Swim team in San Francisco. He was an open water
swim and Triathlon competitor in Florida for two years.
Marissa Mulkey, Assistant Coach (February – May). Marissa is entering her third year
with Oakwood, coaching during the winter and spring. She coaches during the
summer for the Mountain View Master’s program. Marissa has 12 years competitive
swimming experience including club and high school. Marissa is a senior at Saint
Mary’s College.
Anticipated Coaches for Summer:
Jake Mefford, Assistant Coach (May-August). Jake is a Junior at the University of
Texas. Jake has an extensive background with the Martinez Swim Tem, and then the
Pleasant Hill Dolphins where he was a County Swimmer for three years. At age 12,
Jake started swimming with the Concord Terrapins USA swim team and was a
member of their National Team. He also swam for the University of Texas his
Freshman Year. He was an assistant swim coach with the CSSR Marlins in 2014.
Molly Brog, Assistant Coach (May-August). Molly is starting her sixth year as an
Oakwood Assistant Swim Coach. A former member of the Oakwood Mako Sharks,
Molly has held several team records. She is a Junior attending NY University’s School
of the Arts. She is specializing in live stage performance, drama, song and dance.
Daelyn Chase, Assistant Coach (May-August). This is Daelyn’s second year as an
Oakwood Assistant Swim Coach. Daelyn swam 4 years with the Oakwood Mako
Sharks. She was a County Finalist all four years with Oakwood. Daelyn was a swim
team member at Campolindo HS and with the Orinda Aquatics USA swim team.
Kelly Cain, Assistant Coach (May-August) This is Kelly’s second year as an Oakwood
Assistant Coach. She has experience as a competitive swimmer including high school
and USA Concord Terrapins Swim Team.
Christian Theodossy, Assistant Coach (May-August)
Additional Coaches: To be determined.
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
Coaching Philosophy at Practices
We feel there are four things that we can do as coaches to help develop our swimmers
as individuals:
1. The most important thing is to develop their self-image. Staff will continually
build the swimmers up; we will be positive and enthusiastic with all team
members.
2. Help team members to understand the importance of being enthusiastic in
everything they do.
3. Help team members develop a sense of responsibility for what they do.
4. Teach team members how to deal with the ups and downs of life as well as
swimming competition.
Motor Learning Objectives
For 8-9 and younger:
1. Develop a feel for the water and the ability to make corrections in movement
patterns.
2. Learn the technical skills of all four strokes, including starts, turns and
finishes.
3. Develop general body coordination and strength.
4. Learn good habits for maintaining and improving natural flexibility.
5. Learn to maintain correct and legal technique on longer swims.
6. Learn to maintain correct and legal technique on short sprints.
For 9-10 and Older:
1. Improve stroke technique and learn race skills (such as turns, starts, pacing
and acceleration.)
2. Consolidate stroke development.
3. Improve conditioning components of endurance and speed while maintaining
stroke technique.
4. Develop simple race strategy and tactics.
Knowledge and Attitude Objectives
For 8-9 and Younger
1. Enjoyment of pool and land-based activities.
2. Learn to function as an individual within a group activity.
3. Become familiar with the rules and competitive situations.
4. Learn about stroke technique and training.
For 9-10 and Older
1. Enjoyment of pool and land-based activities.
2. Become part of the team culture.
3. Support, help and encourage team members.
4. Develop habits which support an active healthy lifestyle.
5. Begin to function with less direct supervision and make positive decisions
regarding training compliance.
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
Coaching Philosophy at Swim Meets
With 10 meets scheduled this summer, Swim team members are expected to
participate in a minimum of five meets during the summer season including four
dual/Tri meets and a Championship Meet.
For a well-rounded progressive season we recommend attending two (or more) meets
May 23-June 28, two (or more) meets July 7-30, and one (or more) meets during the
championship season, August 2-August 17. This schedule allows for progressive
development as well as meeting the minimum 5 meet requirement.
We believe there is more to swimming than practice. The “normal” progression for all
sports leads to competition. Swim meets provide a good learning experience for the
children. They help create a team culture and provide a shared experience. Meets also
provide an opportunity for the coaches to evaluate how effective the coaching has been
and how the individual and team are progressing in their learning experience.
Here are some of the things we’d like our swimmers to learn while participating in
swim meets:

We want our swimmers to learn to compete with good sportsmanship. Some
examples of good sportsmanship include saying “good luck” before you swim to
others in your heat, and saying “nice swim” after the swim, as well as thanking
the timers and recorders.

We want the swimmers to learn that the race is a learning experience. We want
the swimmer to tell us about the race and what they learned. We want to train
the swimmer to talk to the coach before they race and get a last minute
reminders, and after the race to go back to the coach and get immediate
feedback.

We want our swimmers to learn to race - to start, swim and finish properly. We
do this by reminding them that the race is made up of three or four parts:
For 8 & Under –
1. Dive start 2. Swim
3. Finish
For 9 & Older –
1. Dive start 2. Swim
3. Turn
4. Finish
The swimmer has to concentrate on each part. We remind them that we want to
swim good strokes as fast as possible with a clean finish. Learning to swim good
strokes and swim fast is a challenge!

We want our swimmers to learn that they must compete within the rules. We
do this by explaining the starting procedures, what a false start is and what the
rules of the stroke are in order for them to swim legally. In any good learning
situation, disqualifications for a major infraction of the rules will happen and
the swimmer must learn from them when they do happen. We want them to
find out why they were disqualified and learn what they have to do correctly
instead.
All families are encouraged to attend as many meets as they wish. Remember, a
minimum of 5 meets, (including at least one Championship meet) is required for the
swimmers to compete and the parents to support as volunteers.
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
Team Unify:
The Oakwood Mako Sharks will continue to use our own web site through
Team Unify! Oakwoodmakosharks.com
 Via the Oakwood Mako Shark web site we will be able to keep you posted
with up to date information regarding swim meets.
 Parents can communicate regarding event preferences for meets. When
families sign their swimmers up for a meet they can write notes to the
coaches regarding events they would like to see their child swim.
 Swim Meet Entries and Information: this will allow a more convenient
option for the parents and the coaches to enter meets and keep up to
date.
New: Swimmer’s Commitment/Parent Job Requirement
This season Swim Team members will be expected to attend a minimum of 5
total meets, 4 dual/tri meets and 1 championship meet.
The parent’s job requirement will also be reduced to 5 meets, 4 dual/tri meets
and the LSC Championship meet.
Awards:
Trophies are awarded to all participants who participate in a total of four or
more dual/tri meets and one Championship Meet.
Oakwood Mako Sharks Swim Suits:
Included in your registration fee for the spring/summer session is a swim suit.
When you register please indicate the size suit you desire. Suits and caps will
be handed out prior to the first meet.
Questions:
If you want to know:
How your swimmer is doing with the sport
How to sign up for private lessons
How to rate the competition at the meets
Email Mike at mikem@oakwoodathleticclub.com
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
2015 SPRING MINI MAKOS
The Mini Mako Program is designed for swimmers who want to be part of the Oakwood
Youth Swim Team, but are not quite ready. If your child, ages 5 to 7, cannot swim 25
yards each of backstroke & free style with side breathing, non-stop, then Mini Makos is the
place to develop those skills & advance to the Oakwood Mako Sharks Swim Team!
~ NEW THIS YEAR ~
This year we will be offering an assessment class to determine if swimmers should be placed in
the Mini Mako Program, Lessons, or Swim Team for Spring.
Assessment Classes will be held from 3:00pm - 3:20pm on:
Monday, March 30 (during Spring break)
Wednesday, April 1 (during Spring break)
Monday, April 6
Wednesday, April 8
All interested swimmers will be asked to attend one of these free classes for placement.
Assessment signups begin Monday, March 2nd at the Activities Desk.
After the assessment, placement in Spring Mini Makos, Lessons, or Swim Team will be recommended.
SPRING MINI MAKOS
Mondays and Wednesdays
May 4th - June 3rd
3:00pm - 3:20pm
$70 per child
Registration priority for Spring Mini Makos will be based on the order
Swimmer’s signed up for the assessment.
Requirements for joining the Mini Makos:
- For children ages 5 to 7 years old.
- All participants must be water safe. Water safe is defined as being able to swim a modified
freestyle in the big pool. This includes the swimmer being able to lift their head to breathe
while swimming at least twice and continue on swimming without the assistance of the wall
or lane line.
- Swim fins and goggles are required (available for purchase at Activities).
The Mini Mako program is designed as a one-time program to advance a swimmer to the swim
team. Any parent wishing their child to return to the Mini Mako program must be approved in
advance by the Head Mini Mako Coach or Head Swim Team Coach.
Please do not sign up for the spring assessment if you are interested in the summer
program. Summer information coming soon.
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
Early Season Practice Schedule
April 13th to June 11th
Mini Makos:
Monday & Wednesday
3:00pm - 3:20pm
Ages 5 & 6:
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
3:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages 7 & 8:
Monday - Thursday
Ages 9 & up:
Monday - Thursday
3:30pm - 4:00pm or
4:30pm - 5:00pm
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Summer Season Practice Schedule
June 15th to August 14th
AM Workouts
Mini-Makos:
Days TBD
10:00am – 10:20am
Swim Team:
Ages 5 & 6:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
10:30am - 11:00am
Age 7:
Monday through Friday
10:30am - 11:30am
Age 8:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
Tuesday/Thursday:
9:30am - 10:30am &
10:30am -11:00am
Ages 9 & up:
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 9:30am
PM Workouts
PM workouts are available to all team members including those attending
summer school, summer camp and as a makeup for swimmers unable to
attend a morning workout.
Mini-Makos:
Days TBD
3:00pm - 3:20pm
Ages 5 & 6:
Monday - Thursday
3:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages 7 & 8
Monday - Thursday
3:30pm - 4:10pm or
4:20pm - 5:00pm
Ages 9 and UP:
Monday – Thursday
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
Starting Block Practices
We have starting block practices scheduled at Las Lomas High School in
Walnut Creek for the purpose of practicing dive starts. All ages welcome.
There are no morning practices @ Oakwood on the starting practice dates.
The schedule is not yet confirmed by the High School.
Tentative starting block practices:
Wednesdays: June 17, June 24, July 8, July 15, July 22 & July 29
Time: 10:30AM to 12:00PM.
General Description of Time Trials & Meets
A. Time Trials: Make sure your swimmer attends one or both time trials.
No Sign Ups necessary for the time trials. Swimmers in attendance will be assigned
lanes and heats with the same age group. This is a great opportunity to learn the
fundamentals of meet procedures. The judging is relatively low-key and there is
teaching interspersed with the racing. Races are generally adjusted so everyone can
feel good about themselves. Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly are
usually swum, plus the Individual Medley, if time permits. This experience is relatively
casual, informal, and educational in the extreme. Learning to start, finish, and swim
with a legal stroke can best be taught in these conditions. They produce very little
anxiety on the part of the swimmers.
Time trials are scheduled for:
Monday, April 20, 3:30pm to 5:00pm and Sunday, May 31, 11:00am to 1:30pm
We also train parents to learn how to time and serve as timers and recorders during
the trials. These roles are traditional first-season parent volunteer jobs at dual and
invitational swim meets. NOTE: Parent timing/recording and swimming in our time
trials does not count towards the six meet minimum participation requirement.
B. The Dual Meet (one other team) and tri-meet (with two other teams): This is a
step up from the time trials. Swimmers will encounter people from one other team. By
the nature of the event, this will be more formal in nature. We have scheduled non
Lafayette Swim Conference teams that have similar numbers and abilities as our
team. Note, the Lafayette Swim Conference teams are larger and have a wider range of
ability levels. The swimmer will experience people cheering for them and will cheer for
others. Judging will be a bit more formal. There will be competition in the four strokes.
The Individual Medley and relays may also be swum. Ribbons are usually awarded to
1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. Competitors will be required to check in with a designated coach
before and after each swim for final instructions and reinforcement.
Last day to add to a dual or tri-meet: In order to submit Oakwood team entries to
host team in a timely manner, parents must add their swimmer to any of the
scheduled meets no later than 7 days prior to the day of the meet. Please list your
preferred meet participation on the Team Unify site. You can amend or change your
commitment on our Team Unify page.
Last day to withdraw from a dual or tri-meet: If a swimmer has been entered in a
relay event, the last day to withdraw if three days before the date of the meet. We ask
you let us know as soon as possible in order to make substitutions or cancelations
and notify the other swimmers on the relay team of the change.
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
C. The Invitational Swim Meet (large number of teams participate): These are the
biggest meets on our schedule. Because of greater expectations, we want all who enter
the invitational to have previously participated in at least one time trial or one dual
meet. Invitational meets will have our swimmers participating with other swimmers
from a variety of backgrounds. Some may be better prepared and some not as
prepared as your child. Participation in an invitational meet can be an excellent
learning experience in concentration, focusing on the race, and retaining your
composure. The confusion level is high and the need to pay attention by parents and
swimmers alike is very important. We plan for this to be a good experience. Generally
a swimmer can enter in more than two events. For two day meets, you may enter one
day only if you so desire. You can pick your own events. In the past we have noticed a
preference for the Freestyle and Backstroke events as these are usually the first two
strokes the new swimmer becomes proficient in. However, almost always the Freestyle
and Backstroke events are on different days. In this case we highly recommend the
swimmer swim another stoke or two. This is a good time to widen their horizons and
gain experience in different strokes.
All “invitational” meets have a “splash” fee and an individual event fee. The family’s
Oakwood charge account will be billed for the entry fees. The head coach will fill out
the event entries for each swimmer based on each families meet commitment form and
event choices. The entries are then submitted and paid to the host team for the entire
Oakwood Swim Team. Once the team entries have been submitted and entry frees
paid, no refunds cam be made for those that do not participate for any reason.
THE INVITATIONAL MEETS
The following descriptions are listed here to help set your expectations about the
invitational meets. Review the meets that you plan to attend.
#1: Saturday, May 23RD
Nike Splash Invitational
This meet will be held at the Diablo Valley College pool in Concord. Note: only
swimmers that have swim meet experience in the 2014 can enter this meet.
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Friday May 15th
#2: Sunday, June 7TH
Martinez 8 & Under Invitational
At the new Martinez Community Pool, Martinez. This has been one of our team’s
favorites. This is the “little people’s meet”. This is strictly for swimmers 8 years and
younger. There will be individual events and relay events at this meet. It is a fun,
friendly meet. This meet will begin at 8:30am and finish at 12:00 noon.
Note: 8-Under swimmers with no previous swim meet experience must attend at least
one of our time trials (April 20th or May 17th prior to participating in this meet.
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Monday June 1st
#3: Saturday, June 20th
Tri-meet: Springbrook and PH Dolifins
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Friday June 12th
# 4: Wednesday, June 24
Martinez
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Thursday June 18th
# 5: Saturday & Sunday, June 27-28
Pleasant Hill Battle of Ages
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Friday June 19th
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
# 6: Wednesday, July 15
Oakhurst Country Club
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Thursday July 9th
# 7: Saturday, July 18
Tri-meet: LMYA & Rancho
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Friday July 10th
# 8: Saturday, July TBD
Dewing Derby
# 9: Wednesday, July 22
Sun Valley
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Thursday July 16th
# 10: Wednesday, July 29
Las Trampas
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Thursday July 23rd
#11: Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 1st & 2nd
Lafayette Swim Conference Champ
This meet is for the summer recreation swim teams in Lafayette. They include LMYA,
Oakwood, Pleasant Hill Dolfins, Rancho Colorados, Springbrook, and Sun Valley. It is
quite a bit more intense with close to 800 swimmers participating. No cut off times
with novice to experienced swimmers participating. Ages are determined by the
swimmer’s age on June 15th. Age group classifications are: 6 and under, 7-8 years, 910 years, 11-12 years, 13-14 years, and 15-18years. Each swimmer may participate in
three events of their choice, plus relays. All four strokes and the Individual Medley are
in the program. There are heats and finals. Finals are determined by the 8 fastest
times in the morning heats. Awards: medals for 1st to 8th in the individual events and
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the relay events. This meet will at the Acalanes HS Pool.
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Friday July 24th
#12: Saturday, August 8th
Scottsdale Invitational Swim Meet
This meet has timed heats only. Regular age group divisions swim as in the Lafayette
City Meet. Awards go to the 1st to 8th place. 6his met is also the last meet a swimmer
can participate in and still qualify for the County Meet the following weekend.
Swimmers with current County qualifying times or by coaches permission only. Note:
County qualifiers cannot participate in the Fred Segrist Invitational this weekend.
Last day to add or drop this meet is expected to be: Friday July 31st
#13: Saturday and Sunday, August 15th - 16th
THE COUNTY MEET
This meet has strict pre-qualifying times for all participants. This meet has trials, plus
finals & semi-finals for the top 20 fastest swimmers from the trials. Last Day to enter
this meet is Monday, August 10th and must be done by the coach in person
before 12:00Noon. Qualified swimmers must notify Mike by Wednesday August 3
if they intend on swimming this meet.
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
2015 Meet Schedule
Sat. May 23
Nike Splash Invitational @ Diablo Valley College
Sun. June 7
Martinez 8 & Under Invitational, Martinez
Sat. June 20
Tri-Meet: PHD & Springbrook, @
Wed. June 24
Dual Meet @ Martinez Community Swim Team, Martinez
Sat.-Sun. June 27-28
Pleasant Hill Battle of the Ages Invitational, Pleasant Hill
Wed. July 15
Dual meet @ Oakhurst Country Club, Clayton
Sat. July 18
Tri-Meet: LMYA – Rancho
TBD
Dewing Derby Invitational, Walnut Creek
Wed. July 22
Dual Meet Sun Valley, Lafayette
Wed. July 29
Dual Meet Las Trampas,
Sat.-Sun. Aug 1-2
LSC League Championship Meet, Location TBD
Sat. Aug 8
Scottsdale Invitational, Walnut Creek
Sat. - Sun. Aug. 15-16
Contra Costa “County” Meet, Acalanes HS, Lafayette
New Policy: Five meet minimum participation for swimmers and parent
volunteers (See general information for more details)
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
Parent Commitment to the Team
Good parental support is the foundation of a successful swim program. Parents
are required to fulfill ‘parent jobs’ at a minimum of 5 meets (4 meets and the
LSC conference meet) during the swim season. These can, and probably will
include all Invitational and Dual Meets in which your child and/or children
participate. Parents can perform more than one job during any meet (ex. Mom
records while Dad is a timer). Parents with multiple swimmers are encouraged
to do extra meet shifts.
Jobs Sign Ups
There will be a Job sign-ups meeting on Thursday April 23rd at 5:30pm.
If you are unable to fulfill your commitment to a meet, then there are several
things you must do.
1. Find a replacement by trading your shift with another family. Make the
change of commitment on the Oakwood Mako Shark Team Unity web site
including the replacement.
2. Hire an alternate from our list of teen substitutes. A list will be provided
of names and phone numbers. They charge $50 and can sub for you in
timer or recorder positions. Email coordinator once the substitute is
known.
3. It is the parent responsibility to arrange for a substitute. You need to let
the meet coordinator know that you will not be there. If you are not able
to get a paid replacement, you will need to make up for this event at a
later date. If you do not make up the shift, the swimmer’s participation
in the meet will not count towards the five meet participation
requirement.
NOTE: Parents need to work the minimum of five meets and will most likely be
asked to work at additional meets if any of their children attend more than 5
meets.
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
Oakwood Parent Meetings and Social Events
All Families are encouraged to help out with social events. We are a volunteer
parent supported team and we serve the kids and the rest of the families by
helping with the following events: Spirit Week Crafts, Special Olympics Swim-athon, Pancake Breakfast, Pizza Dinner, Pasta Potluck, Dessert Potluck, etc.
Please see team Unify for Social Event dates and information.
Oakwood Swim Team 2015 Events Schedule
2015 Season Informational Meeting
Thursday, March 11
5:30pm
Location:
Oakwood Grand Hall
Agenda:
Plans and changes for the 2015 season
Parent Meeting: Parent Job Sign Ups
Thursday, April 23rd
5:30pm
Location:
Oakwood Grand Hall
Agenda: How to sign up for volunteer assignments on
Team Web Site
Who:
One parent per family - Bring your calendars!
Note:
No child activities/Parents only
Parent Meeting: New to Swim Team
Thursday, May 14th
5:30pm
Location:
Oakwood Grand Hall
Agenda:
Introduction to Swim Team
Who:
New parents to Mako Sharks – attendance required for
new families. Returning parents welcome.
Season Kick-off: Time Trials & Pizza lunch
Sunday, May 31st
11am-1:30pm
Location:
Oakwood swim pool and patio areas
Agenda:
Time Trials, then lunch for swimmers and families
Who:
All swimmers and families
Service:
Parent (one per family) acts as timer and/or recorder
or helps with lunch preparations.
Mako Sharks Swim Team 2015
Glossary of Terms
Event: one of the races of strokes
Lane: alley in the pool per swimmer, each lane is numbered, usually 1-5+
Heat: with a large number of swimmers in an age group, more than 1 race
Heat Sheets: list of the swimmers in each event by lane and heat #
Strokes: Backstroke, Butterfly, Breast, Freestyle
IM: Individual Medley one swimmer swims all 4 strokes: Fly/Back/Breast/Free
Relays: Medley & Freestyle
Medley Relay: 4 swimmers swim one stroke each in the following order:
Back/Breast/Fly/Free
Freestyle Relay: 4 swimmers swim Freestyle
Mixed Relay: Any combination of Male and Female swimmers.
Clerk of the Course: area set up for organizing large numbers of swimmers
Starting Block: raised platform where swimmers dive to enter the pool.
Pool: where you get wet and have fun! 
Parent Jobs
Timers: parents who time the races- stand on edge of pool with stopwatch
Recorders: parents who write down times that timers get on stopwatch
Shepherd: parent who guides children in groups to lanes for each race
*Stroke/Turn Judge: Parent watches each race for stroke conformation
*Meet Coordinator: Parent in charge of volunteer parents and organization
Desk: Parents help host team prepare award ribbons
*Training and/or swim team experience required