Pacific Masters Swimming Update, Week of April 13, 2020

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 and open water events are conducted, as well as USMS. Changes to the event calendar will be published as soon as they are received.

US MASTERS SWIMMING NEWS

Nominations for At-Large Directors

USMS will hold elections for at-large directors this year. The nomination period lasts until April 30. Information packets are available on the 2020 Elections page of the USMS website or by contacting Elections Chair Erin Sullivan.

Nominations for Volunteer Service Awards

USMS presents a number of awards annually to members who have excelled in various areas. The details and recipients of each type of award may be found on our Awards page. Send in your nominations today for USMS Coach of the Year, Dorothy Donnelly Service Award, June Krauser Communications Award, and many others. Nominations for all awards are due July 1 (except the Capt. Ransom J. Arthur Award, which was due on March 15).

EVENTS AND CLINICS

Open Water Swim Season

The start of our open water season will not begin as scheduled. We're closely monitoring the shelter in place orders and have reached out to the race directors of the first open water events. Due to the ongoing safety and health concerns in our communities, Davis Masters has cancelled the June 6 Berryessa OW swims. Refunds are pending.The club is investigating possibilities of re-scheduling the event later in September.

Spring Lake Swim, originally scheduled for May 16, has also been cancelled. Dependent upon the park availability and the safety precautions to come, it may be rescheduled.

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.

PACIFIC MASTERS NEWS

Rich Burns and Laura Val Honored

Swimming World Magazine recently recognized 12 athletes from around the world as its 2019 Swimmers of the year and a sixth of them compete for a small club team based in San Rafael.

San Anselmo's Richard Burns and Santa Clara's Laura Val - who both swim for Tamalpais Aquatic Masters in San Rafael - were honored by the magazine, which hands out the awards based on how many age-group world records each swimmer set that season. Laura was once asked it if ever "got old" breaking all those records, and she responded with a smile. C ongratulations to both Rich and Laura! Read more.

Pacific Masters Monthly Meeting

April 15

This will be a call-in meeting only, beginning at 7 PM. All members are encouraged to participate. For details about how to call in, please contact Chris Ottati, Administrator.

COACHING POSITION OPEN

University of San Francisco Masters Team Seeking Swim Coach

The University of San Francisco Masters team is seeking candidates for the morning, and/or evening practice times in addition to the highest level for the Youth Swim Team.

USF is looking for an experienced coach who motivates our swimmers through effective communication and reinforcement. USMS &/or USA Coaching certifications are optional, but a bonus! For a complete job description, additional details and/or to submit a resume, please contact ckubiak@usfca.edu.

EDITOR'S NOTE

We're All In This Together

Every day on this amazing Earth, we are surrounded by incredible beauty as well as invisible threats. COVID-19, is an example of this. We're doing our best to protect ourselves and those we love from unseen dangers. Sometimes, that protection and aid comes in wondrous forms. Check out these amazing stories:

Shark Thanks Man Who Saved Him

Dolphin Asks Diver For Help

Whale Protects Diver From Shark