Always doing one's best. That's a form of responsibility.

Always doing one's best for others. That's a form of accountability.

The Lititz Springs Swim Team teaches both accountability and responsibility.

"The biggest thing I want them to learn is that hard work pays off," said Lititz Springs head coach Michael Janvrin of his swimmers. "If you show up at practice and work hard, you're going to see results at the end of the season. A lot of kids want to get to the league meet at the end of the season."

The Lititz Springs Swim Team is a community team of student-age athletes who spend a large portion of their warmer months interacting, training and competing. The Waves, as they and others often refer to them, participate in Division Three of the Lancaster County Summer Swim League, which brings together similar community squads from across the county for wholesome competition.

"We're all about having fun and encouraging kids to learn all four strokes (freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and backstroke)," said Janvrin. "I think it's really important to do all four in the summer; if (swimmers) want to specialize in the winter (during the high school season), that's OK. I think it makes a well-rounded swimmer. It gives you a lot more opportunities in the summer."

The Waves practice and host home meets at Lititz Springs Pool, 201 Maple St. The team's season begins in the middle of May and concludes at the end of July. The season consists of 12 total competitions, eight of which are associated with the Lancaster County Summer Swim League.

"I think the season has gone very well," said Janvrin, a resident of Brownstown. "We definitely have a different standard of what a good season looks like. We've had a lot of kids swim in meets for the first time. But all around we've been having a great summer."

There are more than 70 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 18 who are involved with the Lititz Springs Swim Team. Many of those youth swimmers attend school in the Warwick district.

"They are adventurous kids," said Janvrin. "A lot of kids end up in soccer or basketball, but these kids want to do something different. A lot of them enjoy a challenge. I think they're very dedicated. It takes a lot of dedication to be in the pool so much."

For his duties at the head of the program, Janvrin receives support, knowledge and expertise from assistant coaches Kendall Eby and Adelaide Pusey.

"Our swimmers are very hard working," said Janvrin. "A lot of these kids swim in the winter. We put them through a lot of work. It's a sport where you have to sometimes get up at 6:00 to be at the pool by 7:00."

"You don't have to start at 5 years old," continued Janvrin. "We have a lot of swimmers who start at 13 or 15, and they're having success. If you enjoy being in the water and like a challenge, get involved. We want kids to come out and enjoy the sport the way we did. I'd love to get more people involved in the sport, whether it's (on) our team or another team."

The Lititz Springs Swim Team was started in the 1960s. That's more than 60 years of engaging kids, teaching life lessons and improving social skills.

"It's been around for a long time," said Janvrin. "When I was growing up, I knew Lititz Springs was a fun team. I think we've kept that fun environment. For us, it's about 'Are we doing our best? Are we putting in the work?' I think we're trending upwards."

For additional information, go to http://www.lititzspringsswimteam.com.