Masters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Masters swimming?

Masters swimming is an organized program of swimming for adults. Members participate in a variety of ways ranging from lap swimming to international competition.

Who are the members?

Anyone 18 or over can join Masters swimming. U. S. Masters Swimming has over 40,000 members, a few of whom are in their 90’s and even 100’s. forming every day. There’s probably a group accessible to you regardless of where you live.

How is US Masters Swimming organized?

United States Masters Swimming, Inc. provides the administrative structure for Masters swimming. However, Masters swimming is very much a grass roots organization.

The country is divided into smaller groups called Local Masters Swimming Committees (LMSC). LMSC’s in turn are composed of smaller groups (clubs or teams and unaffiliated swimmers).

Do I have to compete?

Everyone has his or her own reason for belonging - health, fitness, camaraderie, fun, the thrill of competition, travel and coaching are but a few.

About 30% of Masters swimmers compete in swimming meets on a regular basis. For those who are serious competitors, there are an incredible number of opportunities to test your skill and conditioning. Short Course (25 yard and 25 meter) and Long Course (50 meter) pool meets, lake and ocean open water swims, postal meets, special events and international championships are all part of an ambitious program of Masters swimming.

A recent U.S. Masters Swimming national championship meet drew 2,400 participants. It was the largest swimming meet ever held in North America. An international Masters championship in Japan ranks as the largest swimming meet ever. But if competing isn’t your style, there’s no need to feel pressured. Many Masters swimmers are simply interested in the regular routine of working out.

Tell me a little more about the competition.

Competitions are organized by age groups of five-year increments (19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, etc. to 95 and over). Events include 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 1650 freestyle (400, 800 and 1500 in meters) 50, 100 and 200 backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly and 100, 200 and 400 individual medleys. There are also freestyle and medley relays for men, women and/or mixed teams. Open water swims are held in most locales during the summer and can range in distance from one to ten miles. Special events such as seeing how far you can swim in one hour are contested through the mail.

USMS hosts two national championship meets a year. A short course (25 yard pool) championship is held in May and a long course (50 meter pool) championship is held in August. These four-day events rotate to different locations around the country.

International championships are conducted periodically by Masters swim organizations in countries throughout the world.

While health and physical fitness are the biggest rewards, proficient competitions can garner a host of awards and recognition. World and U.S. records, Top Ten and All America rankings, All Star status and national champion are accomplishments recognized by USMS. Medals, ribbons and trophies are a part of many competitions and are awarded to all age groups.

Masters Fee’s 

There are two options for paying Master’s Dues:  

Is it healthy to exercise that hard as you get older?

It’s true that the thrill of competition can produce some anxiety in the form of "butterflies," but study after study has proven that regular exercise can significantly contribute to your health. Swimming has continually been identified as the best way to exercise. Stress reduction, weight control, cardiovascular fitness, reduced cholesterol, muscle tone and endurance are all positively influenced by exercise. Masters swimmers swear by it.