Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why swim with DSST?

2. What's the membership of DSST like?

3. I'm not a very fast swimmer. I can't swim all the strokes, and I'm not sure that I can finish an hour workout. How good of a swimmer do I need to be to join? Is there a test?

4. What if I am too slow for the others in my lane? Will I be grouped with others my own speed?

5. What are the workouts like? How many yards per workout?

6. When and where are workouts available?

7. What's the water temperature?

8. Are locker rooms and hot showers available?

9. I’m not in the best of shape now, and don’t look so great in a swimsuit. Do I have to wear a racing swim suit?

10. When I show up at practice, what's the procedure for getting in the pool? Do I need to talk to someone first?

11. Does DSST compete in meets / races?

12. Can I try a few trial swims before I sign up?

13. What does it cost?

14. What happens if I can only swim a few days in a particular month?

15. Do I need to show a membership card or sign an attendance sheet?

16. What should I bring to practice?

17. What about the social aspects ... does the team socialize?

18. Where can I get more information?

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1. Why swim with DSST?
Swimming is great exercise; our heated pool is available year ‘round; swimming with others of your ability is fun; and DSST offers six workouts a week.

2. What’s the membership of DSST like?
DSST has between 60 to 100 adult swimmers, most of whom swim for fitness, for the friendly social atmosphere, and for rehab from injuries. We are made up gay, straight, and bi-sexual swimmers who are students, professionals, as well as retirees. Everyone is welcome and the ages range from 18-80!

3. I’m not a very fast swimmer. I can’t swim all the strokes, and I'm not sure I can finish an hour workout; how good a swimmer must I be to join? Is there a test?
There is no test. DSST welcomes swimmers of all abilities - we have all abilities - from an competitive college swimmers to novice swimmers. If you can swim 4 lengths of the pool, our coaching staff can help you improve your skills and endurance. You don’t need to be able to swim all the strokes to join! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Workouts are adjusted to take into account each swimmer’s ability level.

4. What if I am too slow for the others in my lane? Will I be grouped with others my own speed?
Each lane is grouped by ability. You will be assigned a lane compatible with your skills.

5. What are the workouts like? How many yards per workout?
Each workout runs for an hour (don’t worry if you can’t finish the whole hour initially). The coach gives the "sets," which vary in distance per lane. The faster lanes generally cover slightly over 3,000 yards per workout, with slower lanes about a third of that distance. Space permitting, you may enter a workout late. We attempt to limit the lanes to a maximum of 5 swimmers of similar ability per lane to avoid overcrowding.

6. When and where are workouts available?
We have 6 workouts, for you to choose from, each week ... for updated information please verify the schedule by checking the DSST web site home page.

City Heights Pool:
  - Mon, Wed, Fri, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Helix H.S.:
  - Thu, 7:15 - 8:30 p.m.
Tierrasanta:
  - Thu, 7:15 - 8:30 p.m.
Santee YMCA:
  - Sunday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m

7. What’s the water temperature?
It is usually a comfortable 80 degrees.

8. Are locker rooms and hot showers available?
Yes, there are locker rooms and showers available at both facilities. At City Heights and Allied Gardens, the showers are located outside the locker rooms adjacent to the pool.

9. I’m not in the best of shape now, and don’t look so great in a swimsuit. Do I have to wear a racing swim suit?
Any swimsuit will do. And with over 30 swimmers in an average workout, all body types are represented! People aren’t focused on your looks as much as you might be. Just hop in and get some exercise! If you put if off, you might never get going.

10. When I show up at practice, what's the procedure for getting in the pool? Do I need to talk to someone first?
DSST is a very welcoming team. When you arrive at the pool, walk up to anyone and ask to be directed to the coach. The coach will welcome you to the team and ask you a few basic questions about your swimming skill level, and will then hand you a USMS membership form and welcome package. After signing a team waiver, you will be shown which lane to swim in and then introduced to the team.

11. Does DSST compete in meets and/or races?
Optional races take place in pools and the ocean. Pool races are offered almost every month in our region. Competition is optional and fun to try.

12. Can I try a few trial swims before I sign up?
Sure, the first month is free; just show up at the pool and tell the coach that you’re there to check it out. Goggles are recommended. Caps are optional.

13. What does it cost?
The dues are $40 per month. You must also join US Masters Swimming for $35 for the current year. (We require this so that DSST has liability insurance.)

14. What happens if I can swim only a few days in a particular month?
DSST offers a coupon book option called "Splash Cards". In the book there are six swim coupons for $45. This is 25% savings over the drop in cost per swim of $10 per practice for non-monthly members.

15. Do I need to show a membership card or sign an attendance sheet?
Yes. In order to swim with DSST you must have your USMS registration card. This is an annual membership that gives both DSST and yourself insurance. Regarding attendance, when you walk in to the gated pool area at the City Heights pool there is an attendance sheet on the gate. We work on an "honor" system and ask that you check your name when you enter the pool. Occasionally, a coach or board member will double check the list when all the swimmers are in the pool.

16. What should I bring to practice?
We recommend that you bring a bathing suit, goggles, a cap (if you have long hair), and a towel. On sunny days, we also recommend that you bring sunscreen to protect your skin.

17. What about the social aspects ... does the team socialize?
Yes ... inside and outside of the pool. Besides getting to know fellow swimmers in the pool, many swimmers socialize with each other outside of the pool area. Many swimmers get together for dinner at a local restaurant on Friday nights, and on Sunday mornings after practice, many people go out to breakfast. As a team, DSST sponsors parties and movie nights a few times a year. And we also usually do something for Valentines Day, Halloween, and Christmas.

18. Where can I get more information?
Email our membership director at Membership or stop by the pool at one of the workout times.