We are a welcoming and diverse group of adults who enjoy swimming. Many of us are in training for a variety of athletic events, including masters swim meets, open-water swims, such as the The Great Chesapeake Bay Swim and Challenge, and triathlons. And of course many of us just practice to stay in shape, and have fun swimming with teammates.

So whether you need to train for an event or just want to stay in shape, what are you waiting for? It’s time to dive in …

1. Sign Up for Practices with Montgomery County

Register for practices with the Montgomery County Recreation Program through their online registration system. Put “Masters” in the search box, select “Masters Swimming,” scroll down to select the number of days (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) per week that you want to swim, and click “Add to Cart.” You may swim at any of our pools. You may also pay for drop-in swims: $15.00 (resident); $20.00 (non-resident) for one session.* Prospective new members are allowed one free try-out practice.**

2. Register with U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS)

Register with USMS through its secure online registration system. Click the Join USMS Now button and make sure Montgomery Ancient Mariners is selected as your club on the registration page (we are in the Potomac Valley region, not Maryland). If you are already signed up with USMS, you may transfer your current USMS membership to the ANCMs. USMS registration is required for liability coverage and allows swimmers to participate in USMS sanctioned meets.

Congratulations! You are now an ANCM! Check our swim schedule and join us at the pool most convenient for you. Becoming an ANCM has numerous benefits, including coached swim practices, participation in annual team events, such as the Albatross Open swim meet, summer picnic, winter holiday party, and after-swim brunch, and the opportunity to contribute to the team newsletter and website. Click here for a listing of all swimmers currently registered with the ANCMs.

*Note: Rec Assist (financial assistance) is available to Montgomery County residents. Call 240-777-6840 or go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/how/financial.html for information on criteria and to get an application.

If you have questions about the registration process, contact the ANCM Registrar (ancmregistrar@gmail.com).

Still Thinking About It? Try Us First

USUM offers a trial membership. Click here for information and application form.

**If you want to try one ANCM practice without joining USMS or the team, just come to practice and let the cashier and the coach know you are there to try it out.