Additional Delegate Needed for USAS/USMS Convention Next Week

The New England LMSC is looking for a last-minute replacement delegate for the USAS/USMS convention next week at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Arrive Wednesday 9/21 -- or Tuesday 9/20 if attending the open USMS BOD meeting on 9/21 -- with all-day delegate working sessions Thursday morning 9/22 through Saturday afternoon 9/24. Saturday night is the annual joint awards banquet where each governing body -- USA Swimming, USMS, US Water Polo, US Diving, US Sychronized Swimming -- reviews accomplishments and bestows achievement awards, including USA Swimmer of the Year (who will it be?). Depart Sunday or, if necessary, skip the banquet and leave Saturday after the last House of Delegates meeting, which is scheduled to end ~5pm. The NE-LMSC will reimburse the conference registration fee, hotel room (already reserved), airfare, $20/day food stipend, and transportation to/from the airport. If interested contact me immediately at NEchair@usms.org or (401) 633-5756. The other NE-LMSC delegates are Douglas Sayles, Crystie McGrail, Tim Lecrone, Alana Aubin, Bill Meier and Laszlo Eger.

Conference schedule and info are posted at http://www.usms.org/admin/conv/2016/.

Applications Open for Scholarship to 2016 USMS National Coaches Clinic - Due Aug 19

The NE-LMSC has approved three $500 scholarships to help defray expenses for coaches to attend the 2016 USMS National Coaches Clinic (NCC) in San Mateo, California on November 11-13, 2016. 

For more details on the Clinic please click here: http://www.usms.org/content/coachclinic 

In return for financial assistance, each of the selected coaches must do the following:

1. Write two articles for the NE-LMSC website/newsletter about a learning from the NCC -- e.g., a technique or series of drills -- in a manner that allows others to share and implement the knowledge;
2. Run a swimmers clinic sharing material from the NCC.  These clinics will be open to all LMSC members and provided at no cost to LMSC members (other than any applicable pool drop-in fees).  Clinics can be run during a normal workout time.
3. Support the other NCC attendees' clinics.
4. Provide at least two photos or other visuals from the NCC to share on NE-LMSC social media or website.

How to Apply

In order to apply for this scholarship, applicants must have achieved the USMS Level 2 coaching certification and must submit the following via email to NE Coaches Chair at NEcoaches@usms.org by 5 p.m. on August 19th:

• Their name and 2016 USMS membership number.
• A short essay describing why they want to attend the NCC.
• A description of how and where they will run a clinic following the NCC.

The Coaches Chair will also attend and adhere to the above requirements.  In addition the Coaches Chair will help support implementation of the free swimmer clinics.

A three-person subcommittee of NE-LMSC board members, including the Coaches Chair, will review and select the scholarship recipients by 5 p.m. on August 26th.

Remember, the scholarship application deadline is 5 p.m. on August 19th.

Karlyn Pipes Clinics Huge Success!

Contributed by Crystie McGrail, NELMSC Coaches Chair

Throw out everything you ever knew about swimming. That is what I did Saturday, during a long and exceptional day of learning at the hands of Karlyn Pipes of Aquatic Edge.

Karlyn is an extremely versatile swimmer, having set over 200+ Masters World records, including at least one in each stroke. She was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2015. Add that to running her own company of presenting swim technique clinics all over the world, and you've got one impressive resume!

We were fortunate that Karlyn was able to make herself available for three separate modules in just ONE day:

1. Coaches Only Workshop - Karlyn shared two presentations, the first on how to promote self-awareness in swimmers and the second on reasons for power failure. 
2. Faster Freestyle Swimming Clinic – Swimmers were introduced to techniques through Karlyn's Go Swim DVD on Freestyle and then moved to the pool. During this clinic participants from the coaches workshop were on deck to help facilitate and apply the principles they learned earlier. 
3. Multi-stroke Swimming Clinic – During this clinic, the other three strokes were explored. Again swimmers were first introduced to concepts via Karlyn's Go Swim DVD on All Strokes and then moved to the water. 

The presentation of material was awe-inspiring in the number of A-HA moments, simple techniques, and easily implemented tips! I left feeling ready to change swimming lives for the better and with every tool I needed to do it!

I also want to acknowledge Karlyn's incredible spirit - this day included 9 hours of presenting and facilitating technique content! Karlyn presented with vibrancy and grace the entire time! Though you could buy her DVD's, I highly suggest that attending her clinic in person because it is an extraordinary learning opportunity! Or maybe if you are lucky you can visit her in Kona, Hawaii and get the full Aquatic Edge experience!

In true Masters fashion, we relocated to the hot tub!

Links referenced at the clinic:

1 - swimming muscles engaged: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rQ8iEGd2jk

2 - Faster Freestyle with VASA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTQpF_mmg44 (there are actually 4 segments to this, if you look at the video list on the right they should appear)

Registration Open for Aquatic Edge Clinics with Karlyn Pipes

Registration is now open for the Karlyn Pipes stroke and freestyle clinics in Boston! Both clinics will be held at Simmons College on Saturday, May 14th and are scheduled back-to-back for any swimmers who would like to participate in both.

Karlyn is known worldwide as an accomplished swimmer and uses her technical expertise and high energy to deliver a fun and fast-paced clinic woven with personal experience. The drills and techniques are simple, fun, and most importantly, easy to apply! 

Karlyn is a 2015 ISHOF inductee, 2012 World Master Swimmer of the Year, and 2007 International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame inductee. She has broken over 200 FINA Masters world records and 332 U.S. Masters national records. 

Come meet fellow swimmers, enjoy the camaraderie of Masters swimming, and learn from one of the best!

Event details and registration information are below:

Aquatic Edge Faster Freestyle Clinic with Karlyn Pipes

Simmons College, Holmes Sports Center

Saturday, May 14, 2016 @ 12:00 PM

$95.00

Click to register 

Aquatic Edge Multi-Stroke Clinic (back, breast, and fly) with Karlyn Pipes

Simmons College, Holmes Sports Center

Saturday, May 14, 2016 @ 3:30 PM

$95.00

Click to register 

If you prefer to download and mail hard copy registration forms, click here for the Freestyle Clinic and here for the Stroke Clinic. 

Please contact Crystie McGrail with any questions.

Swimming Saves Lives Hits New England Again

For the third year in a row, the New England LMSC will celebrate “April is Adult-Learn-to-Swim” Month. This is the time of year when USMS members nationwide focus on others and share the gift of swimming by volunteering to teach adult swimming lessons in their local communities. As of this writing, the 15 New England teams listed below plan to run Swimming Saves Lives Adult Learn to Swim programs in 2016.

If you know of adults who could benefit from swim lessons or if you want to volunteer to help teach, please reach out to any of the teams below or contact Sue Jensen at swimmingsaveslives@gmail.com or Bill Meier at billmeier1961@gmail.com. A few hours of your time could change or save a life!  

Also, contact Sue/Bill if your masters team is interested in running a Swimming Saves Lives program this spring or summer. Some funds are still available to provide financial support for lifeguard salaries, etc.

If you are interested in more comprehensive ALTS instructor training that will enable you to teach swimming as a professional option throughout the year, consider taking the ALTS certification course in Boston on April 23, 2016.

The Swimming Saves Lives program is made possible through donations to USMS’s Swimming Saves Lives Foundation. To learn more, visit the April is Adult Learn-to-Swim Month and Swimming Saves Lives Foundation websites or contact USMS Education Manager Holly Newmann at holly.neumann@usms.org.

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Massachusetts

Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, Bill Meier, billmeier1961@gmail.com

Cambridge Masters Swim Club, Cambridge, Sue Jensen, swimmingsaveslives@gmail.com

Martha’s Vineyard Masters, Vineyard Haven, Les Cutler, cutlerl@comcast.net

Pittsfield Polar Bear Masters, Mary Dickson, marydickson48@gmail.com

Score 4 More, Boston, Mamenasha Tesfaye, phinnswimmers@gmail.com

Worcester Area Masters, Worcester, CJ Dickson, cj.qkona@gmail.com

Vermont

Burlington Area Sink or Swim, Kimberly Fry, kimberly.fry07@gmail.com

Intrepid Athletics, Inc., Rutland, Natalie Boyle, intrepidathletics@yahoo.com

Johnson State College / Norwich University, Cara Hancy, cjthvt@gmail.com

Killington Aquatic Club Masters, Killington, Kristin Schiessl-Alf, killingtonaquaticclub@gmail.com

Stowe Swimmers Foundation, Stowe, Charlotte Brynn, cbrynn@theswimmingholestowe.com

New Hampshire

TBD

Rhode Island

MWR Lobster Swim Club, Naval Station Newport, Amy Bourke, Amy.Bourke@navy.mil

Newport Athletic Club Masters Swimming, Middletown, Paul Dow, Pdow@neboatworks.com

Maine

Maine Masters, Waterville, Tim Lecrone, tlecrone@msn.com

PenBay Masters Swimming, Rockport, Susan Rardin, susanrardin@gmail.com

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Thank you to everyone who contributes your time to participate in these worthwhile programs!

November Coaches Clinic - November 14

'Tis the season for us to get together and put our heads around this crazy sport that we coach! Our November clinic will be similar to last year, however we will be adding a presentation by Tim Lecrone, of Maine Masters, who will be sharing how he is applying USRPT principles with his Masters group. 

Following Tim's presentation we will continue with a round table discussion (or break into smaller groups depending on how many folks attend) to share successes, failures and learnings around the art of crafting a masters workout (bring your favorite workout!).

The day will adjourn around 2:00 PM and those interested can head to a nearby brewery for a social. 

Registration is required to attend (so we know how much food to order) and the fee is $0.00 (yes, free). Please pass this information on to any of your fellow coaches who have not received it. The only requirement is being a registered member of the NE-LMSC.

Draft Agenda

• 9:00 AM continental breakfast & introductions
• 10:00 AM Tim Lecrone presents USRPT learnings
• 12:00 PM Lunch (provided)
• 1:00 PM Round Table discussion on writing workouts
• 2:00 PM adjourn to Deciduous Brewing

Click here to register.

Please email Coaches Chair Crystie McGrail with any questions!

Upcoming Events for NE-LMSC Para Swim Community

Para Athlete chair Laura Dennison has two great opportunities to share with our para swim community - Gateway to Gold and Paralympic Sport Club Boston. These two awesome opportunities for athletes with disabilities involve the identification and development of para swimmers. For more information, contact the event leads on the flyers or reach out to Laura via email. 

April is Adult Learn to Swim Month!

The Governors of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont have all issued proclamations of "April as Adult Learn to Swim Month." We in the NELMSC are ready to celebrate!
Fifteen masters teams, representing all five states in our LMSC, are running Swimming Saves Lives programs and offering free swim lessons to adults in their local communities. A huge shoutout to these program directors, and all of the masters swimmers on these teams, who are donating their time as swim instructors this month: 

Maine
Maine Masters: Tim Lecrone, Alford Youth Center, Waterville
Penobscot Bay Masters: Susan Rardin, Penobscot Bay Y, Rockport

Massachusetts
Cambridge Masters Swim Club: Sue Jensen, Harvard University/Blodgett, Cambridge
Martha's Vineyard Masters: Elizabeth Lytle, YMCA of Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Haven
Simon's Rock PaceMakers: Bill Meier, Simon's Rock @ Bard College, Great Barrington
Pittsfield Polar Bear Masters: Georgette Keator, Pittsfield Family YMCA, Pittsfield
Worcester Area Masters: CJ Dickson, Central YMCA, Worcester
YMCA of Greater Boston: KerriAnn Foley, Boston

New Hampshire
Granite State Penguins: Karin Stokes, Londonderry & Salem Workout Clubs, Londonderry & Salem

Rhode Island
MWR Lobster Swim Club: Denise Vieira & Mike Garr, Chafee Fitness Center, Naval Station, Newport
SwimRI: Paul Dow & Doug Sayles, Newport Athletic Club, Newport

Vermont
Burlington Area Sink or Swim: Kim Fry, The Edge, Williston
Johnson State Masters & Norwich University Masters: Cara Hancy, Johnson State College, Johnson
UV Rays: Catherine Pearson, Upper Valley Aquatic Center, White River Junction
Stowe Masters: Charlotte Brynn, The Swimming Hole, Stowe

FREE ADULT SWIM LESSONS!

Research shows that adults aspire to swim more than any other fitness activity. Yet according to the Centers for Disease Control, 37% of American adults cannot swim the length of a pool. It's not too late! If you know anyone who never learned how to swim, is afraid of the water and/or needs to improve their strokes or breathing technique, contact any one of the masters teams above or email swimmingsaveslives@gmail.com to schedule free swim lessons.

GIVING BACK

The Swimming Saves Lives program provides the perfect opportunity for masters swimmers to give back
to the sport they love by sharing their expertise and passion with beginning swimmers. If you'd like to volunteer to be a swim instructor this year or next, send an email to swimmingsaveslives@gmail.com. Training tools (a 10-page training manual and accompanying video) are provided.

INTERESTED FOR 2016?

Would your masters team like to run a Swimming Saves Lives program in 2016? Please contact Sue Jensen, the New England SSL program coordinator, at swimmingsaveslives@gmail.com to receive SSL Program Overview that will provide all the details for getting a program up and running. Grant money received from the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation to our LMSC will cover all your lane space rental and lifeguard salary expenses.

Coaches Workshop Scheduled for March 28th

NE-LMSC Coaches Chair, Crystie McGrail, has a fantastic coaches workshop lined up focused on open water swimming. 

Three local open water experts - Jennifer Dutton, Elaine Howley and Greg O'Connor - will discuss best practices and theories/ techniques for training in the pool for open water, training in open water and open water safety.

There will also be plenty of time for interactive conversation and questions for the panelists.

Date: March 28, 2015
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (lunch included)
Worcester, MA - specific location details to come

We will limit the workshop to the first 30 coaches who register. For presenter bios and registration, visit the Coaches section of the website.