Opening Day is here!!!!

Benicia Stingrays

Hi Team!  

We finally made it to the best time of the year--swim season!!

Practice begins on Monday and, as a reminder, here is the spring practice schedule:

  • Spring Practice:  Monday, April 8th - Thursday, June 6th
    • Monday through Thursday
    • 6/unders:  4:00-4:30 pm 
    • 7/8:  4:30-5:15 pm
    • 9/10:  5:15-6:15 pm
    • 11/12:  5:30-7:00 pm
    • 13-18:  5:30-7:00 pm
    • No practice Monday, May 27th in honor of Memorial Day

Please remember that we share the pool and Coach Mariska with the Benicia High School Swim Team for April. Be patient as we work through opening week jitters and organization.  For the 6/unders, we have some great returning junior coaches and several new coaches--be patient and kind towards them--the junior coaches are all experienced swimmers and they are also still kids.  If you have kudos or concerns, please discuss them with the adult coaches.  

As a reminder, here is a link to the  suggested gear list for practice.  There will be a bin of kickboards and fins on the pool deck.  You are welcome to use these during practice, but please do not take them home with you. These are for use during practice only.  Many swimmers find it easier to ultimately purchase their own fins from swim shops or online. You can use the bin to find the correct size and brand for your swimmer.  

Please allow adequate time for parking and be on the pool deck about 5 minutes before practice starts.  This will allow time for your swimmer to get in their suit, capped, gear collected, and goggles on.

Remind your swimmer that we are guests of the James Lemos Pool.  They are welcome to run/play on the grass, but no rough play or running on the pool deck is allowed. If your swimmer must use the locker room on their own, remind them what is appropriate locker room behavior--no playing with water, spraying water, throwing wet suits/towels, wrestling, or extended showers are allowed.   

Many of the swimmers have concurrent spring sports and activities. Come to as many practices as you can, but we understand that your swimmer may not be at every practice.   You do not need to email or check in if your swimmer will be missing practice. 

Thank you and goooooo Stingrays!!!