Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of our most frequently asked questions. Please look here and at our More Info tab for information. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]

• Does my child have to be able to swim the full length of the pool?
  • LJST is not a learn-to-swim program or group swim lessons, nor do we have the ability to assign a coach to each swimmer. Swimmers without basic swimming skills pose a safety issue to themselves.
  • Your swimmer should already have some basic swimming skills before joining the team and be able to swim the entire length of the pool (25-yards) unassisted prior to the first day of practice. (50-yards for ages 11+)
  • Swim lessons are available through the Lake Jackson Recreation Center.
• How often do I have to volunteer?
  • Each family is required to volunteer at 2 meets. Volunteering is mandatory for your child to participate at meets. Volunteer commitments are per family.
• Do you have a volunteer buyout option?
  
  • We do not offer a volunteer buyout, as we need 40+ people to hold a successful swim meet.
• I don’t know anything about swim, how can I find out more?
  • Go to the More Info tab to get some basic information about competitive swimming.
  • There is a New Parent Meeting (summer only) in early May that will go over the basics of how it all works. Also, you can ask any of our board members, they would be happy to help.
  • There are several YouTube Accounts devoted to competitive swimming, @FaresKsebati & @myswimpro are great resources.
• What should my swimmer bring to practice?
  • Swimsuit (competitive is preferred but not required), Competitive Swim Goggles, Towel, and a Water Bottle.

• Do I need a Practice Suit?
  • Swimmers usually have a suit that they practice in and a separate team suit that is worn during meets (swim competitions), but it is not required.
  • Team suits are available for purchase (summer only) in early May at the Rec Center. If you would like a practice suit there are several inexpensive options available on Amazon or Swimoutlet.com. Look for competitive suit brands like TYR, Speedo, Dolfin, or Arena.

• Do I need a Competitive Suit?
  • It is not required, but a typical swimsuit creates “drag” and will make swimming much harder. No wetsuits are allowed in meets.
• Is a two-piece swimsuit an acceptable swimsuit?
  • No, girls should wear a competitive style swimsuit (preferred) or a one-piece bathing suit. Two-piece swimsuit can fall down when diving/streamlining.
• Are boys required to wear briefs style swimsuits?
  • No, “jammers” (tight shorts style suit) will be available to purchase (summer only) as a team suit.
• Do I need to wear a swim cap?
  • Caps are preferred, but not mandatory. If your swimmer has long hair, the cap will keep it out of the way during swimming and breathing, as well as decreasing drag.
  • Please ask a coach, parent, or board member for tips on how to best put on a swim cap, as it can be tricky.
• Do I need a team shirt?
  • A team shirt comes with your registration (summer only), but many families purchase additional shirts for team spirit. They are typically not available after the initial order.
  • Winter Games shirts will be available for purchase (school season) in December for the January Winter Games of Texas

• Are practices or meets mandatory?
  • No, practice and meets are not mandatory, but they are a lot of fun!
  • In order for a swimmer to get better, time at practice is needed.
  • Summer Only
    • To qualify for the state meet, you must compete at the TAAF Regional Meet.
    • You must have participated in at least one CCAA meet to attend City Champs Meet.
• Do I need to stay during practice?
  • The Rec Center requires that a parent walk into practice all 8 and under swimmers.
  • You are not required to stay during practice, but if you choose to stay, please remain in the spectator (bleachers) area. Being on Deck (around the pool) or behind the blocks (the diving platforms) serves as a distraction to the instruction and the lifeguards.
• How long are meets?
  • Meets range in length due to the number of swimmers, but most meets last 3-4 hours. City Champs Meet and the TAAF Regional Meet are split into two sessions (morning and afternoon) due to size.
• Are there lifeguards on duty?
  • Yes, lifeguards are always on duty. Please encourage your children not to run or horseplay as it is not allowed and a distraction for the lifeguards.
• What do the whistles mean at the meets?
  • Series of Short Whistles - Pool is clear and ready for next race.
  • One Long Whistle - Swimmers are to get on the blocks or in the pool for an "in-water" start.
  • One Short Beep/Whistle/Horn/Flash - Start race
  • See the bottom of the Race Rules Section for detailed explanation of starting events.