HVST Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below you will find the answers to our most common questions about Summer Swim Team.
REGISTRATION
What if I’m not sure if my 4–5-year-old is ready for swim team?
Generally, if your child can swim unassisted for a full length of the pool, we say they are ready for swim team. Our coaches will be in the water to help them learn the rest. The more they come to practice, the quicker they will pick it up with confidence. Learning with their peers is half the fun! Our coaches are available at the pool deck Monday - Thursday any time 3:30pm - 5:15pm in the Spring for a complimentary evaluation if you have questions and still aren’t sure.
Can I withdraw from the team?
After the first day of practice, refunds for registration will not be eligible. For the 2024 season there cannot be withdrawals from the team after June 1. To withdraw, there must be a formal written request to the harbor view email account to be eligible where the board will then review each case.
What if my child is not a competitive swimmer?
Not to worry! Our coaches are deeply experienced and well qualified to train at all levels, and the great thing about HVST is we are community-based and our focus is on fun for everyone. We love to welcome swimmers of all levels.
What is the difference between Mini Dolphins, Pollywogs and Swim Team?
Please see our our Swim Clinics information here.
What if my child is doing Newport Beach Junior Guards this summer? Can they still do swim team?
Yes! Our summer practice in the morning and weekend meet schedule works well with and is complimentary with Junior Guards afternoon sessions.
GEAR
Where can I buy suits and swim gear?
Please see more on our Gear suggestions here.
We suggest having suits (any suit for girls, speedo or jammers for boys), fins, caps and goggles for all practices. Caps and goggles and dolphin suit for meets.
PRACTICES
How often and when is practice during the Summer?
The practice schedule is available under the Summer Swim team tab. Note the change in swim practice times once school is on school break.
I see that there are different age groups for the swimmers. How does that work?
The age groups are 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18. Every other year your child will have an "up" year when they are the oldest in their age group and a "down" year when they are the youngest in their age group. This is the same age groups that compete against each other during our SCSC League meets.
Should a guardian stay and watch a swim practice?
For all 5/6 year olds a parent or guardian MUST be on the pool deck at all times while your child is in the pool. You can get to know fellow parents and it’s a good way to get to know the logistics of the pool and strokes by being present. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ASKING COACHES QUESTIONS DURING PRACTICE. Practice is when coaches spend time with the swimmers and are watching for safety especially in the younger swimmers so please hold your questions for the coaches until before or after all practice sessions.
What should my child bring to practice?
Please see more on our Gear suggestions here.
We suggest having suits (any suit for girls, speedo or jammers for boys), fins, caps and goggles for all practices. Caps and goggles and dolphin suit for meets.
Does a child have to swim in a particular number of practices during the week?
Your swimmer may attend as many practices as he/she wants to or is able to. As with any sport, the more practices attended, the more progress made so we encourage you to attend as many practices during the week as possible. There are many kids who miss a week of practice here or there for camp or vacation and as long as the coaches are aware whether you will be at a weekend meet (please declare your swimmer's attendance to meets via the Swimtopia website or app), going to camp or on vacation during the season is no reason not to sign up. Summer swim season is about camaraderie, swim improvement, and outdoor fun.
What is Fun Friday?
Every Friday, our awesome coaches and parent volunteers plan fun activities to go along with our swimmers regular practices. It's every swimmers' favorite practice - music, fun, games and treats for all our HVST Dolphins. The practice schedule is a little different so please see the Friday schedule here. See you at the pool on Friday Funday!
GENERAL
Does HVST have an Olympic size pool?
No. The length of HVST’s pool is 25 yards. An Olympic size pool is 50 meters. A 25-meter pool is sometimes referred to as a junior Olympic size pool.