Lake Oswego Swim Club: 12 things you should know before joining lake oswego swim club

Swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit, healthy, and active. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, joining a swim club can be an excellent way to improve your skills, make new friends, and participate in competitive events.

If you’re considering joining the Lake Oswego Swim Club, there are a few things you should know beforehand.

In this article, we’ll explore ten essential things you should be aware of before becoming a member of Lake Oswego Swim Club.

From the benefits of joining to the expectations and requirements, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether Lake Oswego Swim Club is right for you.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of competitive swimming, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What is the importance of joining a swim club?

Joining a swim club can be an excellent way to improve your swimming skills and achieve your fitness goals.

Swim clubs provide a structured environment where you can receive guidance and support from experienced coaches and fellow swimmers.

Swim clubs typically offer regular practice sessions, which can help you develop your technique, endurance, and speed.

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in swim meets, which can be a great way to challenge yourself and gauge your progress.

Additionally, being part of a swim club can provide a sense of familiarity and community, as you work alongside other swimmers who share your passion for the sport.

Joining a swim club can also be beneficial for children, as it can help them develop important life skills such as discipline, time management, and teamwork.

Swimming is also a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and flexibility.

Overall, joining a swim club can be a great way to stay motivated, improve your swimming skills, and enjoy the many benefits of swimming.

The History of Lake Oswego Swim Club

The Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC) is a non-profit competitive swimming organization based in the city of Lake Oswego, Oregon, United States.

The club has a long and proud history, with many notable achievements and a strong commitment to developing young swimmers.

The club was established in 1977 by a group of local parents who were interested in providing a swim program for their children.

Initially, the club was a small, community-based organization that offered basic swimming lessons and recreational swimming opportunities.

However, as interest in competitive swimming grew, the club began to focus more on training and developing swimmers who could compete at the regional and national levels.

The club expanded significantly and became known for producing top-level swimmers.

Many of the club’s early swimmers went on to compete at the college level and even in the Olympics.

In 2011, the club hired a new head coach, Emily Melina, who would go on to lead the team for over 10 years.

Under Emily’s leadership, the club continued to thrive and became one of the most respected and dominant swim clubs within the state, region, and country.

The club has undergone different expansions and moved to its current home, the Lake Oswego Swim Center.

The new facility provided the club with state-of-the-art training facilities and allowed them to expand their programs even further.

The Lake Oswego Swim Club has a rich history and has played an important role in the development of competitive swimming in its region.

Today, the club has over 200 swimmers and offers programs for all levels, from beginner to elite.

Lake Oswego Swim Club Coaching Staff

Lake Oswego Swim Club Head coach

The coaching staff at LOSC is a group of experienced and dedicated professionals who are committed to helping swimmers reach their potential in and out of the pool.

As of 2023 which this article is written, Emily Melina is the current head coach of the Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC), located in Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA.

She has been with the club since 2011 and has been the head coach since.

Melina has an extensive background in swimming, both as an athlete and a coach, which has helped her develop a unique coaching philosophy.

Melina started swimming at a young age and eventually swam at the collegiate level at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).

After college, she began coaching and quickly developed a passion for helping swimmers reach their full potential.

Melina has coached at various levels, from age-group swimmers to elite-level athletes. She has also been involved with USA Swimming, serving as a Camp Coach.

Melina’s coaching philosophy is centered around developing the whole athlete, both physically and mentally.

She believes that every swimmer has a unique path and that her job as a coach is to help guide them to reach their goals.

Melina emphasizes the importance of setting individualized goals, focusing on technique, and creating a positive team culture.

She also places a significant emphasis on developing mental toughness and resilience in her swimmers.

Under Melina’s leadership, the Lake Oswego Swim Club has seen significant success.

The club has consistently produced top-level swimmers, including several who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level.

In addition to her coaching duties, Melina is also involved in the community and serves on the board of directors for the Oregon Swimming Coaches Association.

In terms of qualifications, Melina is a certified coach through USA Swimming and has completed additional certifications in mental training, strength and conditioning, and sports nutrition.

She continues to educate herself on the latest coaching techniques and strategies, attending coaching clinics and conferences regularly.

Overall, Emily Melina is a highly qualified and experienced coach with a unique coaching philosophy that emphasizes the development of the whole athlete.

Her leadership has helped the Lake Oswego Swim Club become a top-level swim club and a positive force in the community.

Lake Oswego Swim Club associate head coach

As of 2023 which this article is written, Patrick Beasley is the Associate Head Coach of the Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC).

He returned to the club as the associate head coach in 2021, starting with them in 2012.

Patrick is a highly qualified coach with over 10 years of coaching experience, and his coaching philosophy focuses on developing athletes both in and out of the pool.

Patrick’s coaching philosophy is based on the belief that athletes should be developed holistically, both in and out of the pool.

He believes that it is important to develop strong relationships with athletes and their families, to understand their individual goals and motivations, and to create a positive team culture that fosters growth and success.

He emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and commitment, and encourages athletes to take ownership of their progress.

In terms of training, he focuses on developing athletes’ technique, speed, and endurance.

He uses a combination of individual and group training sessions, as well as video analysis and other tools, to help athletes improve their strokes and optimize their performance.

Patrick also emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and works with athletes to develop strategies for coping with pressure and maintaining focus.

Under Patrick’s leadership, the Lake Oswego Swim Club has achieved significant success.

The club has produced numerous state and national champions, and several of its athletes have gone on to compete at the national level.

Patrick’s commitment to developing athletes both in and out of the pool has helped Lake Oswego Swim Club to build a strong and supportive community that is focused on excellence and growth in the swimming sport.

Other coaches include Michael Woodward who is the Head Age Group Coach, Jessie Bohner the Head Developmental Coach, Keith Rountree the Assistant Coach, and Alex Nikitin the Assistant Senior Coach.

Lake Oswego Swim Club Team culture and Team spirit

The Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC) has a strong team culture and team spirit that is built on a foundation of excellence, dedication, and togetherness.

As one of the top competitive swim clubs in Oregon, the Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC) team strives to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that enables swimmers of all levels to achieve their full potential.

At the core of the LOSC team, culture is a commitment to hard work and perseverance.

Coaches emphasize the importance of consistent training and encourage swimmers to set goals and strive to improve their times at every opportunity.

Swimmers are also encouraged to support and challenge each other, both in and out of the pool, to create an environment of healthy competition that inspires everyone to perform at their best.

In addition to its focus on athletic excellence, the LOSC team culture also places a strong emphasis on community and teamwork.

Swimmers are encouraged to support each other both on and off the pool deck, at team events, and other activities that are organized throughout the year to build familiarity and foster a sense of belonging.

From team-building exercises and social events to community service projects and team trips, the LOSC team spirit is built on a foundation of friendship, respect, and mutual support.

The LOSC team culture also emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and character, and swimmers are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and respect both their teammates and opponents in and out of the pool.

Coaches and team leaders work to instill values such as honesty, integrity, and accountability, and encourage swimmers to be positive role models and ambassadors for the sport of swimming.

Programs and Membership services offered at Lake Oswego Swim Club

Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC) offers a wide range of programs and membership services for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.

Some of the programs and membership services have been listed below:

Programs

Beginners Program: This program is designed for newbies who want to start learning how to swim from basics.
Developmental Program: This program is designed for swimmers who are both new to competitive swimming and are still developing their skills.

Swimmers in this program will focus on stroke technique, endurance, and race strategies.
Competitive Program: This program is for swimmers who are looking to compete at a higher level.
Swimmers in this program will focus on improving their technique and speed through intense training and competition.
High School Prep Program: This program is specifically designed for high school swimmers who are preparing for their upcoming season.
Swimmers in this program will work on refining their skills and getting in shape for the upcoming season.

Membership Services

Personal Coaching: The club offers personalized coaching to swimmers who are looking to improve their technique and overall performance.

Swimmers will work one-on-one with a coach to develop a training plan tailored to their individual needs.
Dryland Training: In addition to pool training, the club also offers dryland training to improve strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.
Nutrition Coaching: The club provides nutrition coaching to help swimmers optimize their diet and fuel their bodies for peak performance.

Lake Oswego Swim Club Training Facilities and Equipment

The Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC) has a strong reputation for producing elite swimmers and providing a top-notch training experience for its members, it owes much of its success to its excellent training facilities and equipment.

LOSC has two training facilities that are used for different purposes. The first facility is the Lake Oswego High School Pool, which is used for most of the club’s training sessions.

This pool is a 25-yard, six-lane pool that is equipped with a state-of-the-art timing system and starting blocks.

The pool also has a separate diving well, which is used for diving practice and training.

The second facility is the Lake Oswego Aquatic Center, which is used for competitions and high-intensity training.

This facility is equipped with a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool, a diving well, and a separate warm-up pool.

The pool is also equipped with the latest technology, including a touchpad timing system, starting blocks, and underwater cameras.

LOSC also has a wide range of training equipment that is used to help swimmers improve their technique and performance.

Some of the equipment that is commonly used includes kickboards, pull buoys, fins, paddles, and resistance bands.

The club also has access to underwater cameras and analysis software, which is used to help swimmers identify areas where they can improve their technique.

Lake Oswego Swim Club Swim Meets

Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC) hosts several swim meets throughout the year, providing opportunities for swimmers of all levels to compete and showcase their skills.

LOSC swim meets are usually held at the Lake Oswego School District Aquatic Center.

The meets are open to swimmers of all ages, from novice to experienced and typically draw participants from around the Pacific Northwest region.

The swim meets are organized by age group, with swimmers competing in events that are appropriate for their skill level.

The events include freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley, as well as relay races.

Swimmers are typically allowed to enter multiple events, giving them the opportunity to challenge themselves and try new events.

One of the unique aspects of LOSC swim meets is the focus on sportsmanship and team spirit.

The club emphasizes the importance of supporting fellow swimmers and fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere at competitions.

This spirit is reflected in the cheers and encouragement that swimmers receive from their teammates and coaches throughout the meet.

Lake Oswego Swim Club Members Health and Safety

The health and safety of members of the Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC) is a top priority for the organization.

The club takes numerous measures to ensure that all swimmers, coaches, and staff can participate in a safe and healthy environment.

One of the key ways that the club promotes health and safety is through its adherence to best practices and guidelines established by national and local organizations.

The club follows the recommendations and guidelines of USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States.

This includes safety protocols related to swimmer supervision, emergency action plans, and facility safety.

Additionally, the club follows guidance from local public health officials regarding COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

To further promote health and safety, the club maintains a well-trained and experienced coaching staff. All coaches undergo background checks and are certified through USA Swimming.

Coaches also receive ongoing training in safety protocols and best practices for working with young athletes.

The club’s facilities are also designed with safety in mind. The pool is maintained at a comfortable and safe temperature, and water quality is monitored regularly.

The facility also features safety equipment, including rescue tubes and backboards, as well as first aid kits and emergency supplies.

Parents and guardians are also encouraged to play a role in promoting health and safety at the club.

They are asked to keep their children home if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness and to notify coaches immediately if their child has been exposed to a communicable disease.

Parents are also asked to ensure that their children arrive at the facility well-rested and well-hydrated and to provide appropriate equipment, such as goggles, swim caps, and well-fitted swimsuits.

Lake Oswego Swim Club member’s Volunteer Opportunities

The club has a strong commitment to community involvement and also relies on volunteers to help with various activities and events throughout the year.

Volunteering at the LOSC is a great way to support the club and get involved in the community.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available, some examples of volunteer roles include:

Meet Volunteers: Meet volunteers are responsible for helping with swim meets, including timing, scoring, and coordinating logistics.
These volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that meets run smoothly and efficiently.
Team Parent Volunteers: Team parent volunteers are responsible for providing support to the swimmers and coaches, organizing team events, and communicating with other parents.
Fundraising Volunteers: Fundraising volunteers help the club raise money by organizing events, soliciting donations, and writing grant proposals.
Board of Directors: The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the operations of the club, including setting policies, managing finances, and making strategic decisions.
Facility Volunteers: Facility volunteers help with the maintenance and upkeep of the club’s facilities, including cleaning, landscaping, and repairs.
Swim Lesson Instructors: The club offers swim lessons to children of all ages and skill levels. Volunteer swim lesson instructors help teach children how to swim and develop their skills

Volunteers at the LOSC are expected to be reliable, responsible, and enthusiastic about supporting the club’s mission.

They should be willing to commit to a schedule of events and activities, as well as attend training sessions and meetings as necessary.

In return, volunteers at the LOSC gain valuable experience, make new friends, and contribute to a worthwhile cause.

Whether you are a swim parent, a swimmer, or simply a member of the community, there are many opportunities to get involved and make a difference at the Lake Oswego Swim Club.

Benefits of Joining Lake Oswego Swim Club

Joining the Lake Oswego Swim Club can offer several benefits for individuals who are interested in competitive swimming or simply want to improve their swimming skills.

Here are some of the benefits of joining the Lake Oswego Swim Club:

Access to high-quality coaching: The Lake Oswego Swim Club has experienced and highly skilled coaches who can help swimmers of all levels improve their technique and performance in the water.
Competitive opportunities: The club offers swimmers the chance to participate in competitive swimming events at the local, regional, and national levels.

This can help swimmers develop their skills, gain confidence, and set and achieve their goals.
Improved fitness and health: Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, build endurance, and strengthen muscles.
Joining a swim club can provide motivation and structure for individuals who want to make swimming a regular part of their fitness routine.
Social connections: Joining a swim club can provide opportunities to meet and connect with other swimmers who share similar interests and goals.

This can help build a sense of community and provide a supportive network for swimmers.
Lifelong skills: Learning to swim and participating in a swim club can teach important life skills such as goal setting, discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.

These skills can be applied to other areas of life, including academics, career, and personal relationships.

Future goals and Aspirations of the Lake Oswego Swim Club

Looking towards the future, Lake Oswego Swim Club has several goals and aspirations that it hopes to achieve.

Some of them include but are not limited to:

Expansion of Facilities: One of the primary goals of the LOSC is to expand its facilities.
By expanding the facilities, the club can accommodate more swimmers and provide additional training opportunities for its members.
Develop Olympic-Level Swimmers: The LOSC aims to develop Olympic-level swimmers.

This goal is not only a testament to the club’s commitment to excellence but also serves as a means to inspire and motivate its members to push themselves to their fullest potential.
Foster a Positive Team Environment: Lake Oswego Swim Club (LOSC) recognizes the importance of fostering a positive team environment.

This includes providing support to its members and creating a culture that promotes teamwork, respect, and inclusivity.

The club understands that a positive team environment not only enhances the swimming experience but also contributes to the overall development of its members.
More Community Involvement: The LOSC aims to be an active participant in the local community.

This includes partnering with local organizations and hosting events that benefit the community.

The club recognizes that its success is closely tied to the success of the community and is committed to giving back in meaningful ways.
Embrace Technology: The LOSC is committed to embracing technology to enhance the swimming experience for its members.

This includes incorporating data analytics, video analysis, and other tools to provide its members with the most effective training and feedback possible.

In summary, the Lake Oswego Swim Club has ambitious goals and aspirations for the future.

By expanding its facilities, developing Olympic-level swimmers, fostering a positive team environment, engaging with the community, and embracing technology, the club hopes to continue its legacy of producing successful swimmers and being a positive force in the community.

How to Join Lake Oswego Swim Club

If you’re interested in joining the Lake Oswego Swim Club, here’s what you need to know:

Membership Requirements to Join Lake Oswego Swim Club

To become a member of the Lake Oswego Swim Club, you must be able to swim at least one length of the pool (25 yards freestyle and backstroke) without stopping.
You must be willing to commit to regular practices and competitions.

Application Process to Join Lake Oswego Swim Club

Visit the LOSC “how to join” website at: how to join LOSC
Read through the information on the website and complete the online application form.
In the application form, you’ll be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and your swimming experience.

You’ll also need to pay a non-refundable application fee.
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a coach to schedule an evaluation session.
During the evaluation session, the coach will assess your swim skills and determine which practice group is best suited for you.
If you are accepted into the club, you will be notified and given instructions on how to complete the registration process.
If you have questions, you should contact loscplacement@gmail.com

Costs and Fees to Join Lake Oswego Swim Club

The Lake Oswego Swim Club offers a variety of membership options to fit your budget and your swimming goals. Here are some of the fees you can expect:

Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
Annual Membership Dues: Varies depending on the training group and the length of the season. Contact the club for current rates.
Training Fee: This varies depending on the training group and the length of the season. Contact the club for current rates.
Competition Fees: If you choose to participate in swim meets, you’ll be responsible for paying entry fees and travel expenses.

In addition to the above fees, you’ll also need to purchase a swim cap and goggles, and you may want to invest in a team swimsuit and other swim gear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, joining a swim club like Lake Oswego Swim Club can be a fantastic way to improve your swimming skills, meet new people, and stay active.

However, it is essential to consider certain factors before signing up. Understanding the club’s policies, fees, and expectations can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you have a positive experience.

By keeping these twelve things listed above in mind, you can have a great time at the Lake Oswego Swim Club while developing your swimming abilities and having fun with your fellow swimmers.