Over the past week, we've fielded many questions regarding our weather and cancellation of practice policies. The safety of our swimmers ALWAYS comes first! Regardless of the safety issue, please understand that we have set rules in place to protect your swimmer.

Lightning: We will be very, very conservative with our lightning policies and we need your support. The coaches, with help from the board, will evacuate the pool should a lightning strike occur within 12 miles of the pool. During questions of impending inclement weather, both Coach Brian, Coach Alex and Melanie usually discuss the situation prior to cancelling a practice. Please know that we do NOT want to cancel practice, but we follow a "safety first" policy at all times.

" Lightning most frequently occurs within 10 miles of a thunderstorm (although there are occurrences when cloud-to-ground lightning strikes known as "bolts from the blue” can strike up to 20 miles away from a thunderstorm). It is generally recommended that patrons be notified (or evacuated based on the emergency action plan) and staff take shelter when thunderstorms move within 10 miles." (Borrowed from the United States Lifesaving Association). Our policy is 12 miles and we will follow the same at swim meets that we host. Both coaches and Melanie Remy are equipped with "noise making" lightning meters and watch closely, and stay in constant communication with each other during foul weather.

How can you help? Please have a WEATHER PLAN in place with your swimmers and discuss it with your kids, especially if they are on bikes OR if you are dropping them off at the pool. We will try to communicate to the best of our ability once we’ve made a decision, but everyone is in danger when swimmers are left at the pool with no ride and no where to hide from approaching weather. The Club will not let wet swimmers in the building. Too many swimmers are being left at the pool, some up to 45 minutes after initial cancellation notifications have gone out via REMIND. Yes, the coaches will stay with the kids, however it’s not right to have everyone in danger due to lack of planning.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Melanie Remy or a NT Board Member. Thanks for your understanding.