"Who We Are "

United States Masters Swimming (USMS), a non-profit member association, is comprised of 52-Local Masters Swim Committees (LMSC) that serve more than 500-member clubs. USMS clubs and its network of coaches and instructors serve more than 45,000 individual members. Together we promote the benefits of adult wellness, health, fitness, and competition through aquatics.

Through the network of local clubs, we provide life enriching adult programs such as learn to swim, fitness programming at community pools, fitness challenges, clinics, education, and pool and open water competitions. We additionally promote aquatic instructor and coach certification so the member fitness experience can be safe, and socially, mentally, and physically rewarding.

Why This is Who We Are

Only 25% to 40% of our membership in any given year is competitive be it pool competitions, open water, or virtual meaning 60% to 75% of the membership is a member for other reasons. It’s a given that the 25-40% who are competitive will renew its membership each year because they need to in order to compete. But unlike USA Swimming or USA Triathlon, which has 90% or more of its membership as competitive, USMS membership is a choice. If a coach or club does not require USMS membership for its swimmers, then we must provide such compelling value that he/she will choose to be a member and subsequently renew membership.

If we are to retain and grow membership, we will continue to support the competitive experience and also promote opportunity outside the competitive box. We must continue to develop member benefits, member programming, support coach and instructor development, and create an experience that appeals to the 60-75% non-competitive membership audience."