CEO / Head Coach Message

I want to start by saying thank you. The support we’ve already seen for Big Day of Giving has been incredible, and it says a lot about what this community means to all of us.

Last night at Dos Coyotes was another great example—DAM showed up in a big way. The place was packed, the energy was high, and it was just fun to be around so many people who care about this team. That’s what makes DAM special.

Now we head into the main event.

Big Day of Giving is how we continue building this club—supporting our programs, creating new opportunities, and setting DAM up for the future. If you’ve already donated, thank you. If not, this is the week to jump in.

I’d love to see as many of you as possible at Civic on Friday. It’ll be a fun, high-energy day with music, food, and a lot of great DAM people in one place. Stop by, hang out, and be part of it.

This is what keeps DAM moving forward—and it only works because of this community.

Big Day of Giving — Let’s Build the DAM

We’re officially in BDOG week, and this is our biggest push of the year to support the future of DAM. This year’s theme—Build the DAM—is all about continuing to grow what we’ve built together.

Our goal: $32,000
Every 25% we hit adds another piece to the coaches’ “punishment ensemble”… so yes, this gets interesting fast.

Ways to give (all week):

• Online donations
• Credit card, check, or cash drop-offs

New + Featured This Year:

• Instant Joy Fund — Make coaches dance, change the music, remix workouts, and more (Insta-Famous, Instant Remix, Silly Dance )
• Future Pool Fund — Helping us take steps toward a long-term facility
• First 14 sponsors in each category receive a special prize

Raffle (back and better):

• Treat Yourself — wellness, self-care, gift cards, Trader Joe’s goodies
• Get Stronger — fitness-focused prizes like training and gear
• Be sure to put your first and last name on every ticket
• Winners drawn the following week

Merch Available:
Totes, stickers, and car magnets will be available for purchase.

Main Event — May 1 @ Brady Building
Snacks, music, and a chance to celebrate everything we’re building together.

We still need a few volunteers throughout the morning—if you can help, please sign up.

Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim

Registration is open—sign up and be part of one of DAM’s biggest events of the year. You can also grab Berryessa gear.

⚠️ Prices go up May 1, so this is your last chance to lock in early bird pricing.

We also need volunteers for a variety of roles: setup, check-in, water safety, first aid, finish line, truck loading/unloading, and more.

Bonus: Anyone who signs up by May 17 gets a free 2026 event T-shirt.

We’re also looking for Area Coordinators (First Aid, Finish Line/Awards, Friday truck loading at Civic). If interested, reach out to Kevin Waterson at Berryessa@damfast.org.

Can’t make it to the lake? You can still help with truck loading Friday or unloading Saturday.

Want to support another way? Become a sponsor—great opportunity to promote your business or get your name on event merchandise.

This event only happens because of our community.

Adult Learn to Swim (ALTS)

Our Adult Learn-to-Swim program returns this summer, and we’re looking for volunteer instructors to help adults learn this life-saving skill.

Program Dates: June 16 – July 9
Classes: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:15–7:00 PM
Location: Civic Pool

Instructor Training:
June 9, 6:30–8:00 PM
Brady Building

Please confirm you can attend both training and class sessions before volunteering.

Questions:
Rose Cholewinski — rose@swimamericadavis.com
Pat Quinn — prose.quinn@gmail.com
Diane Barrett — dianebarrett3@gmail.com

Brute Squad Party — Coffee, Croissants & Caps

Celebrate your 2025 Brute Squad achievement! If you completed Brute Squad or supported a swimmer, you’re invited.

Where: Brady Building (Civic)
When: Saturday, May 30, 10:30–11:30 AM
Don’t Miss: Group photo at 11:00 AM

All swimmers receive their Brute Squad Survivor Cap. Come celebrate and connect with fellow Brutes.

Arroyo Update

The City has delayed the filter repair at Arroyo. The new target reopening date is May 15.

Thank you for your flexibility. In the meantime, 6:00 AM workouts will continue at Manor (and Civic) until Arroyo reopens.

TYR Pro Series — Volunteers Needed

DART will host the TYR Pro Series May 20–23 at North Natomas Aquatic Center, featuring swimmers from around the world.

Volunteers are needed to chaperone athletes selected for drug testing during finals (all four nights). Volunteers receive a free finals ticket for their shift.

Arrival time: 4:00 PM on assigned day.

Questions: jamie.kiarie@dartswimming.com

Competitions

• USMS Spring National Championship
  April 30 – May 3 | Greensboro, NC
• 2026 Distance Non-Free Virtual Challenge
  May 1 – June 30 | Any SCY pool
• BAC LCM Meet
  May 31 | Burlingame
• Lake Berryessa Open Water Swim
  June 6 | Steele Canyon Campground
• Del Valle Open Water Festival
  June 20–21 | Livermore, CA
• Silver State Meet
  June 28 | Reno, NV
• Pacific Masters LCM Championship
  July 17–19 | Moraga, CA
• USMS LCM Championship
  August 5–9 | Sacramento, CA
• Donner Lake Open Water Swim
  August 8 | Donner Lake
• Santa Cruz Open Water Weekend
  August 15–16 | Santa Cruz, CA
• Santa Rosa Masters Pentathlon
  August 22 | Santa Rosa, CA

Workout Rotation

Week of 4/27/26

• Monday — Distance
• Tuesday — Kick/Pull
• Wednesday — IM
• Thursday — Sprint
• Friday — Distance (Big Day of Giving)
• Saturday — Coach Choice

Week of 5/4/26

• Monday — Kick/Pull
• Tuesday — IM
• Wednesday — Sprint
• Thursday — Distance
• Friday — Kick/Pull
• Saturday — Coach Choice

DAM Board Meeting

Next meeting: May 13 at 6:30 PM
Location: Brady Building