FAQ’s
FIRST TImer
What if I can't do the whole 50 metres?
Do the 25. Or the 15. Or come out mid-race you're not going to get in trouble. This is a friendly club, not a training squad.
What if I don't know anyone?
You will within an hour. Most members remember exactly what their first Saturday felt like. Someone will spot you looking new and come say hello.
Do my kids have to swim if I'm a member?
No. Bring them along, they can watch and hang out. If they want to try a race, they can.
What if I'm way slower than everyone?
That's the whole point of handicapping. You'll be racing against your own past times, not other people's. Beginners often win their races.
Do I have to swim every Saturday?
Not at all. Come as often as you like. Every week, some weeks, or just when the weather's good. There's no minimum attendance.
Joining
When does the season start?
Season 2026/27 opens on Saturday 17 October 2026 at 1:30pm and runs every Saturday through to 10 April 2027, with a two-week break over Christmas and a week off at Easter.
Do we have to be strong swimmers?
No. Our races cover distances from 15 metres (for beginners and little ones) up to 200 metres. All races are handicapped based on individual times, so a first-week beginner has the same chance of a ribbon as someone who's been racing here for twenty years.
Can I try before joining?
Yes. New members are welcome to try the club for two Saturdays before deciding. No forms, no fee, no commitment — just turn up at 1:30pm.
What if my child is too young?
Children aged 6 and under need to be registered alongside a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Our Individual + Junior membership ($100) covers an adult plus one child aged 6 & under.
How do I register?
Head to our Join page, choose the membership tier that fits your family, and register through Square. Payment is by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
A typical Saturday
What time should I arrive?
Aim for 1:15pm. This gives you time get ready before racing starts at 1:30pm. Racing wraps up by 3pm.
What do I need to bring?
Swimmers, goggles, swim cap, towel, and a hat. Water bottle and sunscreen recommended. A couple of dollars if you’d like to grab a sausage after racing.
What races are on each week?
Every Saturday has three types of races: Freestyle (15m, 25m, or 50m), one rotating stroke (Backstroke, Breaststroke or Butterfly, also at 15/25/50m), and one distance event (100m or 200m of a chosen stroke). You choose one race from each type. See our Calendar page for the full season schedule.
What if it's raining?
Light rain doesn't stop us. The pool's outdoor but you're already going to be wet. Cancellations only happen for lightning, dangerous surf, or extreme weather. We will send an email out if a Saturday is cancelled
RACES and ChampionShips
How does the handicapping work?
Every swimmer has a nominated time for each stroke and distance. In each race, slower swimmers start first, faster swimmers start behind. If everyone swims to their nominated time, they finish together. Winning comes down to who improved most against their own best time.
What's the difference between weekly races and championship races?
From February, we replace the weekly distance event with Championship races. Championship races are not handicapped and points earned count towards the Club Age Champion Awards. Weekly races count towards the Age Point Score Winners at end of season.
What are the WASA Events?
The Warringah Amateur Swimming Association (WASA) holds four (4) swim meets throughout the season. This is a chance for our kids to represent Freshwater Amateur Swimming Club and race against kids from other local swimming clubs. It is also a great opportunity to practice for school carnivals.
All swim club members are welcome to race. An email will be sent closer to each meet for entries. Check the WASA Calendar for dates.