The Aquatics Blog

 

Claire Watson - Assistant Aquatics Director, Sportsclub

Summer is coming to a close, but it is never too late for swim lessons. Taking swim lessons not only helps children feel comfortable in the water, but also teaches water safety. This blog discusses a couple key points for parents to keep in mind.

Swimming is a low impact activity for all ages that can help develop the healthy habit of exercise early on. It is a fun way to enjoy time outside as a family or with friends. Starting lessons at an early age can prevent children from developing a fear of water. Children who do not know how to swim or are scared of the water will feel left out in social situations with their peers. Many elementary school parties are at the pool, and children need to be aware and reminded regularly safety rules such as never swimming alone without a parent around, no running on the deck, no pushing or dunking, etc.  Noodles and flotation belts are only aids and should not be considered a life saving device. Children of any age who cannot swim unassisted should be in the water with an adult.

 

Sportsclub offers swim lessons year round for every age and ability. For more information on our aquatics programs, contact Claire at cwatson@sportsclubsc.com.

 

Claire Watson - Assistant Aquatics Director

Summer is here, and it’s the time of year for swimmers to swim outside in lakes and oceans. While swimming outdoors can be a relaxing enjoyable experience, be sure to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips.

Always swim with another person or swim in areas with a lifeguard and let the lifeguard know your swimming plans. Lake swims are generally not as hard as ocean swims since the waves tend to be calmer, but be on the look out for boaters and designated swimming areas. Swim along the shoreline if possible.

Lift your head up every once in awhile to make sure you’re swimming in the right direction. If you are training for a race, look for markers to keep you on track. Bilateral breathing (breathing on both sides) is a great way to keepyour stoke in balance and allow you to swim straighter for more strokes. Practice breathing every three strokes. Using a pull buoy is a great way to develop a feel for this.

 When swimming in the ocean, be aware of the flag system. Purple means dangerous marine life like jellyfish are very close by. Do not wear contrasting swim wear or shiny objects like jewelry as they tend to attract sharks. If the waves are rough, do not swim.

Trying a few open water swims this summer is a good way to change up your pool workouts. Sportsclub offers lessons for adults and has an adult workout group that swims year round. Swimmers are 18 years of age and older and any level of ability from beginners to triathletes and master swimmers. Our coaches not only give workouts, but also advice on training and swimming indoors and out. For more information on our adult programs, please contact me at cwatson@sportsclubsc.com.

 

David Carrick - Tennis Director

Sportsclub has a very active tennis program and participates in a wide variety of USTA Leagues.  We host two sanctioned adult and one sanctioned junior tournament annually.  For 2011 we will also host a CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP for adults and seniors in a wide range of NTRP categories. 

The weekly Saturday morning social is a drop-in event for members only and is very well attended.  For most months throughout the year there is also a Friday evening adult social.

All of the Sportsclub Tennis staff are certified professionals through the Professional Tennis Registry, an international teaching association based in Hilton Head and founded by Dennis Van Der Meer. 

Sportsclub is also active in Junior Team Tennis and has junior clinics for all ages and skill levels.  Private and semi-private lessons are also available and can be scheduled with any of our professionals and non-members can attend clinics and take lessons. 

In addition to our 9 clay courts, Sportsclub also has an indoor option.  Our two 'bubble' courts allow us to form in-house 'bubble leagues' for 3.0-3.5 players as well as 4.0-4.5 players.  Members can purchase permanent indoor court time or individual court time to allow for year round play.  Stringing and pro shop services are also available. 

More information regarding Sportsclub Tennis can be found on this website or you can contact us at tennis@sportsclubsc.com and we will be happy to answer your questions.  See you on the courts!

 

Claire Watson - Assistant Aquatics Director

I’m Claire Watson and I recently became a mom of twins.  My husband and I can’t wait to take them to the pool for the first time.  I want to share with you a couple rules of safe swimming for children. 

Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1-19.  Toddlers and teenaged boys are the highest risk.  While you cannot "drown proof" your children, you can certainly take steps preventing such a terrifying accident. 

The most important rule is to never leave your child unsupervised at the pool  Infants and toddlers should always be within arms reach of an adult.  It only takes a second for something to happen.  Teens should also be reminded of the dangers of rough plan and how to stay safe when swimming at the ocean and lake.  Never swim when it is thundering or lightening.  Never dive into water without knowing the depth.  Be aware of the color of the flag at the beach.  If it's yellow use caution and if it's red, it's best to stay out of the water.  Riptides can be dangerous to even the strongest swimmer. If caught in a riptide, try and stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you do not feel the pull of the current before swimming to shore.

Now is the time to enroll your child in swim lessons.  Learning to swim not only helps children feel comfortable in the water, but also teaches water safety.  Sportsclub offers lessons for every age and ability.  Please feel free to contact me, Claire at cwatson@sportsclubsc.com or Sherie at swilson@sportsclubsc.com for more information.