FAQs

What is the mission of the Wilmington Park Barracudas swim team?

The Barracudas' mission is to help each swimmer achieve their personal best, to promote swimming as a lifelong activity and to advocate swimming as a family participation sport.

What are the age limits?

The minimum age to swim for the Barracudas is five years old. (Also see minimum swimming ability requirements below.) The maximum age, established by the Savannah Coastal Swim league is 18 -- swimmers may swim up to the summer after graduation from high school provided they have not reached their 19th birthday. Age group placement for the season is determined by the swimmer's age as of June 1. 

What are the minimum swimming ability requirements for joining the Barracudas?

In general, the minimum requirement is that the swimmer have some experience in the pool and with swim lessons. The swimmer should be able to swim one lap of the pool at the start of the season. If you're not certain about your swimmer's ability, our coaching staff would be happy to evaluate your child at the Wilmington Park Pool.

Do we have to be a Wilmington Park Pool member to join the Barracudas?

No. However, non-pool members are assessed an additional Maintenance Fee at registration. (See 2009 Registration.)

Do we have to live in Wilmington Park to join the Barracudas?

No. However if you do not live in the "Park" and you are not a member of the Wilmington Park Pool, you are assessed an additional Maintenance Fee at registration. (See 2009 Registration.)

How do we become a member of the Wilmington Park Pool?

The Wilmington Park Pool is currently accepting new members. (Wilmington Park Pool members pay the lowest rates for joining the Barracudas.) Wilmington Park Pool information is available online at http://www.wilmingtonpark.org

What is included in the my Barracudas registration fee?

A lot! Fees include eight weeks of practice under the direction of a top-notch coach, six weeks of meets against Savannah Coastal Swim League teams and lots of fun! All swimmers receive a WPST Barracudas swim cap. Ribbons are awarded to top-8 finishers per event in regular season meets. There is a nominal per-event fee to participate in the end-of-season SCSL Championship Meet. The Barracudas team will have an awards banquet at the end of the season. When you consider that most summer camps cost $100+ for one week of camp, the 8-week Barracudas swim team experience is a bargain.

How are parents involved?

While parental involvement is not required, we have to say that is encouraged -- and very rewarding. At registration, families pay a  "Volunteer Deposit" per family (personal check). Families that have one parent volunteer at a minimum of three regular-season meets will have their Volunteer Deposit check/cash returned at the end of the season. 

Why are parent volunteers are so important to the team?

The coach is the only paid staff member on the team. All board and meet staff positions are held by parent volunteers. At every meet, parent volunteers serve essential functions as timers, officials, starter, referee, bullpen parents, hospitality tent, occasional fundraising, etc. 

Are team swim suits required?

All teams in the Savannah Coastal Swim League wear a unique identifying team cap. While the team suit is not required for the Barracudas, it is recommended. All Barracudas swimmers are required to wear an appropriate competition-style suit.  

How do I buy a team suit? NEW FOR 2009

Information is available in the registration paperwork.

Who is on the 2009 WPST Board?

President - Kathleen McCarthy

Vice President - Alicia Harvey

Treasurer - Julie Schambach

Secretary & SCSL Rep - Hannah Paquette

Fundraising - Carole Love

Hospitality - Donna Lyons