Minnows FAQ
What is the minnows program?
Minnows is the first step in swimming at Potomac. Our goal is to teach them to swim safely and efficiently, while also making some friends along the way! Whether they plan to join the swim team or just to make our community safer we want to offer a fun way to learn how to swim.
What's the minimum requirement for Minnows?
Swimmers must be able to blow bubbles with their face and ears in the water for 5 seconds and be horizontal in the water. Swimmers who can swim by themselves for 5-10 yards can join the Deep End Minnows.
Swimmers must demonstrate these skills during evaluations to be approved. Evaluations are scheduled for Monday, May 25th, from 9:00am - 10:00am. Swimmers will be evaluated 1 by 1 by the coaches and then given a recommended assignment.
Swimmers who cannot do these cannot do Minnows and should start with private lessons. Swimmers who cannot do these in a group environment should start with private lessons. You can email the coaches asking for their availability for lessons here: 2026 PO Swim Coaches
I MISSED EVALUATIONS!
If your swimmer missed evaluations please email Head Coach Christopher Schlegel - [email protected] to schedule a time at the pool where we can take a look at what your swimmer can do.
Registered?
All minnows must register for the swim team on Potomac’s SwimTopia Site.
When?
Minnows is offered for 30 minutes five days a week (four once we begin B meets). You can see the Minnows schedule here: 2026 PO SWIM & DIVE CALENDAR
How Often?
We encourage swimmers to come to Minnows as frequently as possible since consistency is key in our sport. If swimmers have to miss due to camp, vacations or whatever - that is totally okay!
Movement?
Our hope is that swimmers will continue to grow through the Summer and move from shallow to deep, and from deep to 8&U practice. Coaches will be the ones deciding whether swimmers are ready to move or not.
Meets?
Deep end minnows ARE allowed to swim meets. Coaches will clear them and help the parents sign up.
Lollipop Meet!
The final day for Minnows is the third week of July. We end the Summer with our famous Lollipop meet where swimmers will swim lengths of the pool and will get a lollipop for each length! Swimmers will have 20 minutes to swim as many lengths as possible. Some will swim unassisted, some will swim assisted. We will use kickboards, noodles, and the swimming we’ve learned throughout the Summer to make this the best event of the year!
