Week of April 3, 2023
  
Hello!
Get more information and keep up with current events by visiting Pacificmasters.org.

In this issue, you will find information on upcoming swimming events and stories of interest. The Pacific Masters SCY Championships, Morgan Hill Aquatic Center, April 14-16 is fast approaching. Note: Individual registration closes in two days, this Wednesday, April 5, at 11:59 PM.

The next Update will appear on April 17, 2023. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 12, 2023
 
Stay fit,
The Pacific Masters Swimming Committee
Event Calendar
Check out the Pacific Masters calendar page for more updates on future swims. 
April
14-16
Pacific Masters SCY Championship, Morgan Hill Dennis Kennedy Aquatic Center, Morgan Hill, CA.
27-30
USMS Spring Nationals, Irvine, CA
May
May 1-7
Coach Appreciation Week
May 1-June 30
Distance Fly Virtual Challenge
May 15-Sept 15
USMS 5k/10k Virtual Champs. Information to follow
June
June 3
Lake Berryessa, Lake Berryessa, CA
June 10-11
Del Val Open Water Festival, Lake Del Val, Livermore, CA
Event Details
Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championships, April 14-16, Morgan Hill
Our SCY Championships, at The Morgan Hill Dennis Kennedy Aquatic Center is just around the corner. Now is the time to decide what events to swim and get those entries in. Registration deadlines: Individual, April 5; Relay-only Individual, April 6; Relay Team, April 10. Information and Registration

USMS Spring Nationals, April 27-30, Irvine, California
U.S. Masters Swimming is excited to bring Spring SCY Nationals to the beautiful Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine, California. Entry registration will close tonight, April 3 at 11:59 p.m. PST. No late entries will be accepted. Information and Registration

Distance Butterfly Virtual Challenge, May 1-June 30
Ever wondered whether you could swim distance fly? Now’s your chance to find out! 
Swim a 500, 1000, or 1650 fly for time in any SCY, LCM, or SCM pool. Step it up a notch and try all or any combination of those events. Compare your times to others throughout our LMSC and even USMS. Information and Registration

Lake Berryessa, June 3, and Del Val Open Water Festival, June 10-11
After the refreshing rains of these past months, we are looking forward to this summer's Open Water season. Stay tuned for details as they become available.
Pacific Masters News
Special Notice: New Rules Changes
Regarding the Backstroke and the Breaststroke

Pacific Masters is making the following changes to conform to World Aquatics and USA Swimming rules, effective as of now.

Backstroke: It is now legal to be completely submerged at the finish of your Backstroke race, once some part of the head of the swimmer has passed the 5-meter mark (long course and short course meters) or 5-yard mark (short course yards) immediately prior to reaching the finish, prior to the touch. Complete Rule Description here.

Breaststroke: There is no longer a requirement for the arms, or legs, to move in the same horizontal plane during the Breaststroke. The arms and legs must still move in a simultaneous fashion. Complete Rule Description here.
SCY Meet Results

Many of our Pacific Masters members again braved the cold and windy weather to compete at the Clovis Masters Dive into Spring (March 19), and the Sacramento Masters Sprint Pentathlon (March 26). We tip our caps and goggles to them.

Coach Appreciation Week
May 1-7, 2023

Where would Pacific Masters be without our dedicated coaches? Whether it is providing stroke instruction, helping us stay injury free, or just keeping us sane, our coaches are an essential element of our swimming routine and of our organization.

Despite their importance, it is easy to take our coaches for granted and forget to thank them for their efforts. For this reason, Pacific Masters Swimming established the Annual Pacific Masters Coach Appreciation Week designated as the first week in May.

While we encourage our members to regularly thank their coaches, please consider Coach Appreciation Week as an opportunity to let them know how much you value their efforts. Here are some ideas:
  • A card or email telling the coach how their instruction helped you accomplish a goal
  • A gift card for coffee, ice cream, a movie, or other treat
  • Flowers, candy, a book, bottle of wine, or whatever you think your coach may enjoy
  • A massage or spa day
  • A certificate for a weekend getaway or special meal
ALTS Instructor Certification Course
Sunday, May 21, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Fresno, CA

Make a difference. Teach adults to swim.
Join us Sunday, May 21 from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM for a USMS Adult Learn-to-Swim (ALTS) Instructor Certification Course. Check-in starts at 7:30 AM.

This is a great opportunity to gain skills under the guidance of experienced leaders specializing in teaching adults. This course will be capped at 25 registrants. Registration

We are offering a limited number of scholarships up to $150 for the clinic and reserving spots for the attendees. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please answer the following questions and email your responses to Kim Elsbach by this Thursday, March 23rd.

  1. How will you be using your ALTS Certification to benefit Pacific Masters Swimming?
  2. Have you been an ALTS Volunteer or non-certified ALTS Instructor in the past? (Please provide details)
  3. Do you have other experience in coaching, volunteering, or any relevant certifications?
Clubs and Coaches
Coaching Opportunities

The Hills Swim and Tennis Club in the Oakland hills seeks a certified Masters swim coach for Friday mornings. $45 per hour plus free individual membership in the club. Contact information

Burlingame Aquatic Club (BAC) is recruiting a part-time Head Masters Swimming Coach who will manage the operations of BAC’s Masters swimming programs. The hourly base pay range for this role is expected to be between $40-$50. Full job description here. Contact information

Woodland Masters is looking for someone to take the morning Masters coaching slot during the week. Practices are 5:30am-6:30am, M-F. Please contact Dave Karacozoff at [email protected] or 916-284-3590.

For more coaching positions, visit Pacificmasters.org.
USMS News
Delegate Opportunity: 2023 USMS Annual Meeting
September 8-10, Houston, TX, and Virtual

Are you interested in being a Pacific Masters delegate for the 2023 USMS Annual Meeting? This year’s meeting will be held from Friday afternoon, September 8 to Sunday morning, September 10, and will again offer a virtual option. In-person delegates will travel to Houston, TX, and virtual delegates will attend via Zoom. In-person delegates will have reasonable travel expenses paid by Pacific Masters. Please contact Chris Ottati, Administrator for more information or to put your name on the list for consideration.
International News
World Aquatics Master Championships
August 2-11, Kyushu, Japan (Fukuoka for swimming events)

After being postponed several times, the World Aquatics Master Championships will be held this summer in Kyushu, Japan. Swimming events will be held in Fukuoka. Information and Registration.
Editor's Note
The Passing of a Pioneer
Champion Pool and Marathon Swimmer

Greta Andersen, a Danish-born swimmer who won a gold medal in the 1948 Olympics and later became the world’s greatest marathon swimmer, crossing the English Channel six times, died February 6 at her home in Solvang, California. At 95, she was the oldest surviving Olympic champion.

During her life, Andersen was an Olympic champion, world professional marathon champion, multiple world-record holder from 150 yards to 50 miles, businesswoman, teacher, and inspiration to men and women around the world. She was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 1964 and the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer in 1969. In 2015, the International Swimming Hall of Fame honored her with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Read more.