Check out our “Masters Swimming 101” article series for tips on what to bring to practice; learn how to circle swim, read the clock, and more; and get definitions for common swimming jargon. Try to swim in a lane that fits your ability and don’t get discouraged! Swimming is different than running, cycling, and other endurance activities. Regardless of your fitness level, it can take months to get into good swimming shape. And don’t be shy—ask for help; most Masters swimmers and coaches are happy to welcome new members. Camaraderie and new friends are two of the best benefits of swimming regularly with a group.

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Arrive a few minutes early and speak with the coach on deck. Unless you’ve got a current USMS card, you will be asked to sign a USMS waiver (for insurance purposes) valid for 30 days. After the paperwork is out of the way the coach will help you determine which lane is most appropriate for your speed, skill and/or fitness level and off you go!

Remember, DO NOT feel pressured to swim the entire practice your first time through. If you need to take breaks please do so, just make sure to pull off to the side of the lane and let your lane mates keep going uninterrupted. If you have questions about sets, timing, etc. ask a lane mate or the coach.

It is required to be a USMS member prior to joining the Red Tide USMS Club. The registration is easy and is the first step to joining our team. You can register here: https://www.usms.org/login-to-registration-page

Yes, we do offer one free drop-in session so swimmers can get a sense of what the team is like and how our practices are structured. Just show up to any regularly scheduled practice and speak with the coach on deck. He/she will get you situated. You DO NOT need to be a USMS swimmer to take advantage of the free drop-in.

Swimmers joining Red Tide in fall 2022 will need to pay a $100 dues fee for the rest of 2022 and all of 2023. If you want to become an exclusive member of our team and have access to our swim pass discounts and monthly flat rate swim options, visit the Join Our Team page.

USMS is United States Masters Swimming. Join more than 55,000 adults who swim for fitness, fun, and friends. U.S. Masters Swimming is a national membership-operated nonprofit that provides membership benefits to nearly 65,000 Masters swimmers across the country. These benefits include insurance, SWIMMER magazine, sanctioned events, and more. USMS and its 52 Local Masters Swimming Committees (LMSCs) provide direct support to more than 1,500 Masters Swimming clubs and workout groups. Structure and organization of USMS programs vary and are driven by factors such as pool availability, instructor or coach availability, community support, and finances. The majority of locations offering Masters Swimming programs have coaches on deck. Coaches write workouts and provide feedback and instruction.

The word Masters was first applied to adults who participated in track and field and was later adopted in organized adult swimming. In swimming, Masters simply means 18 and older.

Many Masters Swimming clubs and workout groups offer introductory programs for beginning adult swimmers. Our Club Finder tool will help you find programs near you, and you can inquire about learn-to-swim programs at those locations. You can also search for a USMS-certified Adult Learn-to-Swim instructor. Certified ALTS instructors have been specially trained in the techniques and methods that work best with adults who are starting to swim. Many certified instructors work with programs supported by the USA Swimming Foundation, which works in conjunction with USMS to support Adult Learn-to-Swim programs. These programs often offer lessons at a low or reduced cost. Check here to find a location near you.