Growing up in Paramus, I have spent countless hours commuting to Palisades Park just to train with Scarlet Aquatics. While those car rides offered me some time to mentally prepare for my workouts, they have also added unnecessary stress and fatigue. Our athletes deserve to save both their time and energy to focus on their training, not on enduring long commutes.

Currently, Scarlet Aquatics offers training at different sites, but the decision on where national or sectional swimmers train seems to be made without consulting the swimmers themselves. We need to change that and ensure that the voices of these committed athletes are heard.

According to the American Psychological Association, long commutes can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress, and health issues like fatigue and sleep problems. For swimmers who are balancing rigorous training schedules with academics, these effects can be detrimental. Additionally, a research study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences highlights the importance of minimizing travel time for optimal athletic performance.

By surveying the national and sectional swimmers about their preferred training site, Scarlet Aquatics can make more data-driven and swimmer-friendly decisions. The survey would provide insight into which locations are most convenient for the majority, thereby potentially reducing stress and empowering swimmers to sustain a healthier work-life balance.

Having local training sessions at sites that are logistically feasible for athletes will not only enhance performance but also increase swimmer satisfaction and retention. Athletes who are less worn-out from travel are more likely to thrive both in and out of the pool.

We urge the Scarlet Aquatics Board to conduct a comprehensive survey among national and sectional swimmers to gauge their preferred training site. Our athletes' well-being and performance depend on it. Please join me in advocating for this change by signing this petition.