Hello and welcome to the Elver's pre-season swim clinic!

We have your child(ren) registered for the Elvers Clinic

April 11th-15th

Age 4-7 (5:00-5:30) or (5:40-6:10)

We are so excited to have your child join us for our EMC Elver's Swim Clinic! This team is run by a board of parent volunteers and we want you to feel completely at ease with knowing what to expect and how you should be prepared.

The EMC EELS is super privileged to hold practices at the newly built New Caney Natatorium located in the Valley Ranch Town Center, just steps away from Texan Drive Stadium. See the address and location here. We have been asked to park on the "Burlington" side of the natatorium (if you are new to swim, natatorium is a fancy term used for an indoor pool).

If you have not already paid, please have your payment in hand when you check in. The cost is $35/week per child and will be accepted in cash or check (payable to EMC Swim Team).

Due to liability issues, NO parents are allowed on deck (meaning the swimming area). What this means is that when you arrive, be prepared to drop your child at the door at their designated class time, where their coach will be waiting, and then take either the stairs or elevator up to the bleachers to watch. You may also view through the large windows from outside of the natatorium if you prefer.

The Elver’s clinic consists of three classes back to back to back. To ensure a prompt start of all classes, please be mindful of the transitioning between classes and once inside the building, stay to the side of the pool entrance door, giving room to all swimmers that are exiting from the previous class. If you are exiting the class, please be mindful of the class behind you and promptly exit the building.

This is a competition pool and upon entering the pool area, all swimmers should be prepared to step in and quickly rinse off in the open shower prior to entering the water. Little ones will be assisted by coaches and/or coaches assistants if needed (which is anticipated for the 3-5 age group). Attached you will find pictures to show to your child(ren) to help them feel comfortable with what to expect.

The ratio of swimmers to coaches is 4:1, with an additional assistant coach for each ratio.

Your child will need a pair of good fitting goggles. If you are looking for recommendations, we suggest the Speedo Jr. Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles in junior size for younger kids and regular size for older kids (it's all about the eye cup size for a good fit). These can be found at retailers like Academy Sports or Amazon, but you'll want to check in advance in order to have them in time before the week starts.

You will notice that the pool is divided into two by a bulkhead. While our team practices on one side, a year round competition team called Northeast Houston Aquatics (NEHA) will be practicing on the other.

Be advised that the swimmers that attended session one will be grouped together during session two in order to build onto the skills already learned.

Swim caps are encouraged (especially for girls to keep hair out of their face), though not required.

Kick boards will be provided, though swimmers are welcome to bring their own if they wish.

A spot has been reserved specifically for your child and he/she should be ready and willing to enter the water. Unless otherwise dictated by the board due to extenuating circumstances, NO refunds will be given once the clinic starts on Monday. If you feel that your child is not ready or comfortable entering the water, and/or you no longer wish for them to be a part of the clinic, please let us know.

Lastly, the Elver's learn to swim clinics were created as a way to help new swimmers become water safe, which will in turn qualify them to join our swim team. However, we recognize that not all parents are ready to commit to our swim team, so while there is no obligation to join our team afterwards, we would love for you to consider it. The season begins April 25 and children may join starting at age 4. You will find that consistent daily practice is what will teach your child to swim (not to mention the most economical way for parents to have their children learn to swim!)

Thanks! And we'll see you at the pool!!

EMC Board