5th Draft of Pacific Masters Swimming Update, Week of March 30, 2020

The coronavirus outbreak continues to present daunting challenges to athletic events. On March 13, U.S. Masters Swimming announced that the 2020 Spring National Championship was cancelled and recommended that all LMSCs (such as Pacific Masters Swimming) suspend their events through April 30.

In view of this recommendation and similar concern expressed by Governor Newsom, our remaining short course yards events have been cancelled. We are disappointed and know that those of you who have been training for and excited about these events must be disappointed, too. However, we have taken these actions to ensure the health and safety of our communities.

Pacific Masters Swimming continues to closely monitor the outbreak and our policies will follow the recommendations and guidelines of the various local public departments in which our swim meets are conducted, as well as USMS. Changes to the event calendar will be published as soon as they are received.

EVENTS AND CLINICS

Possible Open Water Options

We've received many inquiries about what swimming opportunities might be available. We do not endorse or recommend any of the below, we are simply letting you know what is available so you can research them on your own. Keep in mind that more and more local and state beaches are being closed every day.

Odyssey Open Water - Berkeley Marina, organized/coached swims Sundays at 10 am, register/pay online first.

Santa Cruz Beaches- G roup meets informally at noon at Cowell Beach, swimming on a regular schedule until told otherwise.Be advised that conditions are constantly changing.

Keller Beach - informal swims (meetup style), join East Bay Open Water Google Group to find a buddy (swimming 6 feet away!)

Current water temp at Keller is around 56 degrees, most people are wearing wet suits but they are optional! Note that bathroom facilities and water fountain, shower are closed due to COVID-19. Please observe the social distancing rules, and keep meetups small, otherwise the park will close access!

Maintaining Fitness Out of the Water

Our USMS website has a few suggestions for maintaining your fitness during this hiatus. Connecting with your teammates remotely increases the chances of success, just like being at practice. Even the after work-out cocktail party has its advantages, as there's no worry about driving home! Find articles and videos here.

Coach and Swim Clinics

We look forward to resuming our new coach and swim clinics when the coronavirus outlook has improved. Scheduled clinic dates can be found in our last Update .

38th DAM Lake Berryessa Swim

Saturday June 6, 2020

Davis Aquatic Masters is still planning to host 1-mile and 2-mile open water races at the Steele Canyon Campground at Lake Berryessa, one of the longest running open water events in America. Again, watch for any changes.
Information and registration.

PACIFIC MASTERS NEWS

Pacific Masters Monthly Meeting

April 15

All members are encouraged to participate. For details about how to call in, please contact Chris Ottati, Administrator.

PacMasters Job Opening: Webmaster

Pacific Masters Swimming Committee (also known as PacMasters) is looking to hire a new Webmaster. The job is part time, approximately ten hours a month. The pay will be based on experience. Special projects will be paid on a per hour basis. Detailed job description. To submit a resume for consideration, please contact Phyllis Quinn by April 1.

2020 USMS Convention

September 24-27, Jacksonville, FL

If you are interested in serving as a Pacific Masters delegate at the USMS Convention in Jacksonville, FL from September 24 to September 27, 2020, NOW is the time to ask questions or express interest. Contact Chris Ottati, Administrator by April 1. We want to finalize our delegate list by May 1.

COACHING POSITION OPEN

Temescal Aquatic Masters Seeking Head Coach

Temescal Aquatic Masters in Oakland is seeking candidates for its Head Coach

position. A key leader of our team, the Head Coach should be an experienced
coach and swimmer who motivates coaches and swimmers through effective
communication and reinforcement. For a complete job description and/or to submit a resume, please contact temeswims@gmail.com with the subject line: Head Coach position resume.

EDITOR'S NOTE

Keep Calm and Yoga On

Being confined to the home during this unprecedented quarantine is stressful enough, but can be especially difficult for those who are used to a high level of physical activity. Try some of these on-line yoga classes designed specifically for swimmers to ensure you'll be ready to dive in, once this emergency passes.