 | |
| Abbreviation | USMS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1970 |
| Type | Amateur Sports Organization |
| Purpose | Organized adult swimming in the U.S. |
| Headquarters | Sarasota, Florida, U.S. |
Region served | United States |
Membership | 60,000+ |
Official language | English |
CEO | Dawson Hughes |
| Affiliations | United States Aquatic Sports |
Staff | 18 |
| Website | www |
U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS), founded in 1970, is a national membership nonprofit[1] supporting masters swimming in the United States. The program began when the first National Masters Swimming Championships were held on May 2, 1970 at the Amarillo Aquatic Club pool with a few dozen swimmers. Captain Ransom J. Arthur, M.D., a San Diego Navy doctor, had persuaded John Spannuth, President of American Swimming Coaches Association, that the event would give older swimmers (ex-competitors and beginners) a goal for keeping physically fit. Arthur's mission of encouraging adults to improve fitness through swimming has grown over the years into a nationwide organization that currently includes more than 60,000 adult swimmers.[2]
Members participate in a variety of ways ranging from lap swimming to international competition. The program is organized by USMS, which provides organized workouts, competitions, clinics, and workshops for adults aged 18 and over. Programs are open to all adult swimmers (fitness, triathlete, competitive, noncompetitive) who are dedicated to improving their fitness through swimming. To be eligible for USMS competition, swimmers must sign up with USMS and obtain a membership card for a fee that varies by location.[3]
- ^ "What is US Masters Swimming". US Masters Swimming. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
WPwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "United States Masters Swimming". usms.org. Retrieved April 6, 2010.