FAQs

If you have questions that you think might be worth adding to this FAQ, post a comment on our comments page.

Q If we have been members of SOWAT for the past couple of years do we need to take a swim test if we decide to join Orcas?

A Yes, you will need to take the swim test, the park district requires it and our insurance contract requires it. As in the case of SOWAT, you will not be required in subsequent years to be retested

Q I have some friends that swim with SOWAT, can they be my swim buddy (2 person rule).

A The park staff has no way of verifying “cross team” buddies, they will look for two or more yellow caps, or two or more green caps. The good news is your SOWAT buddy can still stay a member of SOWAT, and join the ORCAS too.

Q I train for triathlons and always wear a wetsuit, can I take the swim test wearing my wetsuit?

A Sorry, not for the swim test. Due to the floatation assistance that most wetsuits provide, we can’t judge your basic open water swimming abilities while you are wearing a wetsuit. Park requlations and our insurance require us to test swimmers without any type of swim aids such as wetsuits, swim fins (even zoomers)  kick boards, scuba mask or snorkel, water wings or rubber duckies.

You can take the test with the following: swim trunks or Speedo type swimsuit, a lycra rash guard or swim skin (these provide no flotation assitance), a swim cap and goggles.

Q Can I pay for my membership with a credit card, debit card or paypal?

A There are now three ways you can pay your dues

1.  personal check (made out to Shadow Cliffs Orcas) 
2.  cash,  and you will get a reciept if you pay by cash
3. New e-mail invoice paid by debit or credit card, you are only invoiced once you respond to the e-mail

Q Are you going to have a yahoo groups so we can monitor folks that are planning to swim

A  YES!, we have a Google Group, once you become a member you will recieve an invitation.  You can post you comments, in this case if you are planning to go to the lake you can post a mesage and get other people to join you.