Lightning Swimmers are Diving Into New Season

Fresh off two major victories — and — the Land O’ Lakes Lightning Swim Team is ready to get back into action.

The fall swim season officially kicks off Monday, Aug. 29, and signups for the season are ongoing and continue throughout the fall, said Brett Ewald, the nonprofit organization’s president. The first round of swimmer evaluations is set for tonight, Aug. 25 at 6:15 p.m.

Earlier this summer, Lightning members weren’t sure if they’d have a pool to swim in. Facing more than $400,000 in budget cuts, the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department floated the idea of closing the Land O' Lakes pool. The Lightning’s board of directors stepped forward with a plan to take most of the financial burden of operating the pool off the county's shoulders.

During the county commission’s Aug. 23 meeting, members agreed to move forward to finalize . Under the new plan, the Lightning will keep the pool open for its team members and the and high school teams. The county will run the public swims during the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Lightning will also be responsible for offering swim lessons at the pool.

While a final agreement isn’t in place, the county board’s decision to move forward opens the doors for the team’s fall and winter seasons.

“It did go well,” said Ewald of the meeting. He added that he feels for commissioners having to make difficult financial decisions in this economy. “It’s got to be hard.”

Pending the approval of a final agreement, the Lightning will take over day-to-day operations at the pool as of Oct. 1, which is well into the fall season.

Swimmers who are interested in joining the Lightning will find there’s plenty of time to do so. Although the season’s practices do kick off on Monday, members can join at any time for a prorated rate, Ewald said. The typical joining fee is $250 for a 12-week session for most swimmers. Newcomers starting at age 5 can join the Lightning’s Sparks team, which costs $100 a month for three sessions a week. Members must also join USA Swimming. The annual cost is $57, and membership provides insurance for swimmers, Ewald said.

The fall and winter seasons are among the best times for newcomers to join, Ewald said. With fewer people in the pool, new swimmers are less intimidated.

“They aren’t jumping into the pool with 150 kids all at once,” he said.

For more information about joining the team, visit lollightning.org or stop by the pool during afternoon practices. Members range in age from about 5 to 18.

The Lightning will be led by a new head coach this season. Phil Phillips, who has been coaching for the team since 2008, takes over the position this fall. Phillips is a former U.S. Marine Corps water survival instructor.