Masters swimming is swimming for adults. It encompasses the whole range of ability from casual fitness swimming to highly organised competitive swimming. A 'masters' swimmer needs only to be over 25 years of age, but there are also a number of competitions that incorporate events for younger adults above the age of 19.

Organisation and Development
Under the umbrella of the Amateur Swimming Federation of Great Britain and the three British associations - the Welsh ASA, the Amateur Swimming Association and the Scottish ASA - this section of swimming sport is organised through districts and counties to the grass roots of all sport, the individual clubs.

Masters swimming began in the USA in the 1970s when some formerly 'elite' swimmers organised a competition for adult swimmers. The sport has now spread all over the world. But although there are World Championships at the top end the sport remains one in which all who want to compete can do so. The broad objectives of better health, better fitness, and the friendship between swimmers are paramount. There is no compulsion on swimmers to compete.

The Welsh ASA is naturally keen to encourage swimming as a fitness-improving pastime and recreation and as a sport. It is currently in the process of developing initiatives for fitness swimmers. It has a Masters Committee, which is active in the promotion of masters swimming.

There are currently thousands of masters swimmers registered with the Welsh ASA. There are many clubs which are dedicated to masters swimming and there are also masters sections of larger clubs.

Competitive opportunities
Competitive masters swimmers are catered for by various meets arranged by the WASA and some clubs. These are keenly contested and are usually very friendly events. For those who wish to travel there are British, European and World Championships.

It is not always necessary to travel to compete. The WASA also holds a postal swim at present.

Masters competitions are held under the same rules as apply in mainstream swimming, and races are as keenly contested. But there is always an informal air. Only very large international events such as the World Championships at present need to impose (modest) qualifying standards. Everyone who wants to take part is welcome.

Masters competitions are organised in 5-year age bands, from 25-29 and upwards -and upwards as required. The oldest age group result so far in the 101-104 group! Some competitions also include a 19-24 or 20-24 group.

There are 2 Welsh events per year, the Open meet, held the first weekend in March, which is long course (50-metre pool) and includes the whole range of 17 recognised long course events (50, 100, and 200 metres of each stroke, 400, 800, and 1500 freestyle, and 200 and 400 individual medley. Additionally there are male, female, and mixed relays swum over 4 x 50 metres)., and the Closed meet which is short course and held on the first Saturday in November. The British masters championships are held in June over a long course.

Scotland has its own national events, and the five English districts also promote competitions within themselves.

Unlike mainstream swimming, masters competitions rarely impose a qualifying standard, so if you wish to take part in a masters event you can . you simply join a club and send in your entry. Competitions are almost always seeded on the basis of ability, and therefore no matter what standard you have reached it is likely that you will be in the pool with people of similar ability.

Other Aquatic Disciplines
Open water (outdoor long distance competitive) swimming events often include a masters or 'veterans' section. In Wales there are masters events in open water swimming held in North Wales. The World Masters Championships include all aquatic disciplines - swimming, open water, water polo, diving, and synchro, and there are also European Championships in these disciplines (though water polo is held separately).

Is Competition Compulsory?
No! Everyone has his or her reason for swimming-health, general fitness, camaraderie, just for fun. How far you go is up to you. A major survey of British masters swimmers showed that the majority of them rarely competed.

How Can I Get Involved?
The easiest way is to locate your nearest masters swimming club or group and just turn up. Ask at your local pool or contact us at the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association.

For More Information
The Welsh Amateur Swimming Association will put you in touch with somebody in your area who can help you. 

WASA
Wales National Pool

Sketty Lane

Swansea

SA2 8QG 

t: 01792 513636
e: secretary@welshasa.co.uk