by Carin Kirkeggard

The pools in Castle Pines North (CPN) are still buried under the most recent snow and temperatures are dipping below the freezing mark, but before long, kids will be counting down to the last day of school and the CPN swim team, the Castle Crocs, will begin their third season.

The winter months are the perfect time for swimmers to hone rusty swimming techniques in preparation for the upcoming swim season. While there is no age limit to become a member of the CPN swim team, each swimmer must be able to complete one lap of a 25 meter/yard swimming pool using any combination of strokes, without stopping or grabbing on to the side of the pool or lane rope in order to become a member of the swim team.

Each season, the swim team requires all participants to swim one length of the pool before being allowed on the team. “We had to turn away about a dozen swimmers that couldn’t pass this requirement last summer,” said Kathleen Steffe, 2008 Castle Crocs board member and parent representative. Parents who have young swimmers interested in being a member of the Castle Crocs swim team should consider enrolling in a local swim instruction program to ensure success with the tryout process for the team.

Without an indoor pool located in CPN, residents are able to find swim instruction in various facilities in surrounding communities. Safe Splash Swim School, found just off Lincoln Avenue in Lone Tree has been a sponsor for the Castle Crocs and has a wide range of times and lessons for every swimmer ability. For further information, check out the website at www.safesplash.com.

The Castle Croc’s 2007 coach and current Master Swim Coach at Castle Rock Recreation, Kevin Millerick, is also offering swim instruction and stroke improvement. To reach Millerick email .

Since its inception in 2006, the Castle Crocs have been providing a healthy recreational experience that promotes child and swimmer development in a fun and positive way. The team strives to make the experience family friendly, convenient and affordable for each member.

“Last year we really focused on building a strong foundation with technique work. In 2008 we are going to continue to build on those swimming skills and also add in more of the fun factor with social events and activities. Swimming is such an important life skill and what better way to have fun and get fit at the same time!” said Steffe.

The Castle Crocs will be holding registration in April for the 2008 swim season. Visit the Castle Croc website for information at www.castlrcrocs.com. Also, look for future articles in The Connection for dates and times of registration.

As a nonprofit organization the Castle Crocs are run by parent volunteers. To offset costs in running a swim team, the Castle Crocs are always looking for support from local organizations and businesses. Interested parties should contact for further information.