June 2018 Monthly Belly Flop!

Coach Nikos is a former standout swimmer in the Capitol District, swimming for both Shaker High School and Clarkson University. He specialized in sprint freestyle, and was a state qualifier and section 2 finalist as a senior in high school. Upon graduating from Clarkson in the spring of this year, Nikos moved back to the area to pursue a career in Supply Chain/Project Management. In his short time with Excel, Coach Nikos has made an immediate impact working with both the pre-competitive and triathlete swimmers. You can find Coach Nikos at both our Albany and Schenectady locations!

After a dismal and never-ending winter, it appears that Mother Nature has decided to give us warm weather once more.  With the bonus that the ending of school is right around the corner as well, the promises of relaxing by the pool and soaking up the sun is at our fingertips.  While hanging by the pool is a typically calm and easy thing to do, it would not be right if we at Excel did not mention some easy tips to stay safe and make the fun last.

1. Always have a buddy or someone who knows you are going into a pool.  Because anything can happen at a private or public pool, it’s important that there is someone other than yourself who knows your location.  We recommend this rule especially to younger children and those who aren’t the strongest swimmers.
2. NEVER go into a pool when it’s thundering.  Thunder means lightning. Lightning means electricity pulsing through the ground.  Pools are part of the ground. It’s one of the most basic tips for summer swimming, and it really is the rule you should always follow.  Remember, it does not matter how far away the storm is, it’s better safe than sorry.
3. Make sure there is a lifeguard or adult watching an overcrowded pool.  If you’re going to a public pool, there will of course be a lifeguard, but the same type of dangers can be present at private pools as well.  Even if you know your child is a strong swimmer, that doesn’t mean that they are not at risk. So, make sure that when your child goes swimming, you keep half an eye on them.
4. Sunscreen is your best friend.  Sun poisoning is real, my friends, and spending your afternoons in water cannot keep you safe from the sun’s rays.  Water reflects light and many times sunburns from the reflection are just as bad if not worse than the actual sun. Even if you are sitting in the shade, it’s best to make sure you have just a little bit of sun cream on.
5. Swim only where you are comfortable.  Speaking from experience, far too many times have I seen young children attempt to swim out further and deeper than they should because they are too eager to better themselves at swimming.  This is all well and good but doing this can lead to danger and potential issues. If you can’t swim that far yet, it’s okay and you will get to that level eventually.

The most important tip is to have fun.  Summer doesn’t last forever and soon it will be September again and most of us will be back to work and school.  So as the school year ends and summer begins, remember these easy tips and enjoy the sun and fun.

-Taylor Casey