We'd like to introduce a new community volunteer opportunity for all area swimmers called "Rags for Wags!"

We're asking you to dig deep in your closet (not your wallets) and donate your used towels & blankets for a good cause. Currently, the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is caring for 350 dogs, over 650 cats and various other critters due to the foreclosure crisis.

The NSPCA is in need community support. Let's do our part and give up those old towels.  The animals don't care if they are frayed or worn.

 Items will be collected at every SLV practice. We hope as many people as possible participate in this program.

It's no surprise to us that many swimmers decide to take a break from the pool during the winter months. The #1 complaint we hear is that "it is too cold outside."

A simple remedy to the "cold complaint"  is to get yourself a swim parka and warm hat!

The parkas range in price from $89 -$145, but could be the best investment you make during the winter to help keep you motivated to get in the pool.

Swim parkas may seem like an unnecessary expense given our 3months of winter here in Southern Nevada, however, they provide much needed warmth and insulation from the elements after your swim session making it a more comfortable, and warm, drive home.

Many thanks to all our volunteers who came out for the clothing collection this past Sunday at the Rock n Roll Las Vegas Marathon!

It was a chilly morning, but we collected 2 truck loads of clothing for Street Teens and Opportunity Village.

We couldn't have done it without our fabulous volunteers!

Sunday Dec 6th 5:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

If you’ve ever been to a marathon, you know runners toss perfectly good, perfectly usable clothing after they start to run. Please join us in collecting these items for a worthy cause.

Follow the runners along Las Vegas Blvd for 2 miles to pick up shed clothing and put into bags for Street Teens of Southern NV.

Meet at the Luxor overflow parking lot on the NE corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Hacienda.   Call Coach Paul for more info: 235-8181.

Street Teens of Southern Nevada helps homeless and at-risk youth.  http://www.streetteens.org

Too often, swim workouts are interrupted or delayed by other "non-swimmers" randomly jumping into a lane. Here are some tips to keep the flow (& the peace) going during your next visit to the pool.

* Look for an open lane. "Pick the open lane most appropriate to your pace. Fast swimmers usually avoid the end lanes but otherwise group together in one half of the pool."

* Sharing. "Politely ask or otherwise let the other person(s) know when you're joining them...Let the other swimmer decided whether you will split the lane or swim in circles (each swims up one side and back on the other.) If you are the third swimmer, expect to swim in circles counter-clockwise."

* Pacing. "Start 5-10 seconds after the other swimmer in your lane...If you get touched on the foot, the person behind you probably wants to pass, usually at the end of the lane."

* Resting. "If you stop to rest, move to the corner of the lane where you approach the wall."

* Waiting. "If you'd rather wait (for an open lane), stay on the pool deck and stretch/warmup away from a specific lane. Please give swimmers their space...You should not 'claim' a lane by placing your stuff at the end of your chosen lane or hovering nearby. People willing to share a lane may get in while you are waiting and, in a busy pool, you may never get a lane to yourself."