The Fountain Hills High School swim team has concluded its off-season June practices and is now entering into July practices where any high school student with a Peaks Fitness membership can participate.

Head coach Patti Schultz believes that summer practices are imperative for building up the school’s swim program, but also believes it is a great time for new swimmers to pick up the sport.

“Our summer practices focus on drills to improve and develop proper form that will become habits,” Schultz explained. “We work on how to adjust speed in the water as well as getting a feel for the water. For swimming, it is imperative that the swimmers are in the water during the summer. Our season begins Aug. 12 and summer gets them ready to start with some more intense practices and focus on speed improvement. It is also a great time to get to know new swimmers and build a strong bond with the team.”

Schultz said that her summer swimmers have already started to make bonds, planning day trips and other activities outside of practice.

Along with forging good habits when it comes to their swimming form, Schultz also encourages her swimmers to form health habits outside of the pool.

“Hydration is key in any sport. Often it is overlooked in swimming, but swimmers do sweat in the water, they just don’t feel it,” Schultz said. “I encourage the swimmers to hydrate before, after and during swim practice, along with eating a well-balanced diet. Swimming is in the top three in calorie-burning sports per hour, so they must be hydrated and have the nutrient fuel in order to receive the greatest benefits.”

The Fountain Hills High School swim team will be meeting at Peaks Fitness at 8 a.m. all July on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. These practices are open to any FHHS student with a Peaks Fitness Membership.