Are you new to swimming, visiting, or just want to check out what Swim Out is all about? Whatever the reason, thanks for checking out our club. This page answers common questions to those of you interested in swimming with us. Come on in! The water's nice!

Contents
Why swim with Swim Out?
What's the membership of Swim Out like?
I'm apprehensive about joining a masters team. Should I?
What are the workouts like? What's the distance?
When and where are the workouts?
What's the water temperature?
Are locker rooms and showers available?
I'm not in the best of shape and a bit shy or uncomfortable in a Speedo. What do I wear?
When I show up at practice, what's the procedure for getting into the pool? Do I need to talk to somebody first?
Does Swim Out compete in meets or races?
Can I try a few swims before becoming a member?
What does it cost?
What happens if I can swim only a few days in a particular month or I'm visiting from out of town?
Do I need to show a membership card?
What should I bring to practice?
What about the social aspects? Does the team socialize?
Where can I get more information?

Why swim with Swim Out?

Great question. Central Florida has many options for swimmers. This club was founded on a few different principles. One of which is to join all adults, regardless of sexual orientation, status, race or whatever, through the sport of swimming. It's an all-inclusive club of adults, and all are welcome to participate. Another principle is to form a social bond with others inside and outside of the pool. Social events are another core component of this group. And, the club hopes to foster any personal growth, whether through fitness or competition. New friendships are difficult to find and form here in the large area of greater Orlando. Why not give us a try?

What's the membership of Swim Out like?

Swim Out (or Swim Out Orlando) formed in April of 2019 and needs members like you to grow with it. It consists of active, adult swimmers, like yourself, most of whom swim for fitness, for the friendly social atmosphere, to get in a quick workout or for rehab from injuries. We are made up of gay, straight, bisexual, transgender and those not-yet-sure swimmers who are students, professionals, as well as retirees. Everyone is welcome and the ages range from 18-100+!

I'm apprehensive about joining a masters team. Should I?

Well, of course, that's a question you have to answer yourself. However, the hardest part of joining any group or new experience is showing up. You have nothing to lose and much to gain. While everyone must be a member (or trial member) of USMS to swim, it will only cost you a drop-in swim fee to try it out. Masters swimmers have varying abilities--you just have to be able to swim a few laps. If you can do this, then you already have what it takes. All practices are coached, and a workout is provided and adjusted to different abilities of swimmers. Give it a try!

What are the workouts like? What's the distance?

Each workout is customized to the ability or pace of swimmers. The workouts are just over an hour in duration. We adjust the amount of lanes by attending swimmers, and group the swimmers of like abilities together in the same lane. Usually the workouts use long-course meters (LCM), which is 50 meters in length. However, the pool configuration depends on location and the facility. Distance of workouts can vary from 1200-4000 meters depending on the duration of the workout and the pace of the swimmers. Of course, if this seems daunting to you, don't worry. You always swim to your ability.

When and where are the workouts?

Our workouts are held at the Cady Way Pool in Winter Park, the National Training Center in Clermont, Florida, and our location in the tourist district of Orlando, the Rosen Aquatic and Fitness Center (RAFC). Always check the Event Calendar for updated times and locations.

What's the water temperature?

The water temperature varies slightly by season. The target temperature range is 78-83 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are locker rooms and showers available?

Yes, there are men's and women's locker rooms available and both have showers available to use.

I'm not in the best of shape and a bit shy or uncomfortable in a Speedo. What do I wear?

Any swimsuit will work. All body types are represented and seen at the pool. People aren't as focused on your looks as you may think. But, use this club to jump into the pool and get some exercise! Don't put it off.

When I show up at practice, what's the procedure for getting into the pool? Do I need to talk to somebody first?

Swim Out is a very welcoming club. When you arrive at the pool, walk up to a swimmer and ask to be directed to the coach or the Membership Director. The coach will welcome you, and ask you a few basic questions about your swimming skills. Prior to coming to a practice, be sure to submit the online Swim Out Sign-up Form and Liability Waiver and you'll need to provide your current USMS membership number. If you are unsure about swimming with a masters team, and you haven't swum with one before, you'll need to complete the USMS online trial form, as well. This is required. You will then be shown which lane to swim in and be introduced to the team! Please visit the new swimmer information page here to get all of the details.

Does Swim Out compete in meets or races?

Yes, absolutely! Swim Out encourages all members to compete in meets or races, but it is completely optional. US Masters Swimming has all kinds of meets all over the country. Our coaches will endeavor to help you achieve your racing goals. The bottom of our homepage contains information and links to upcoming competitions.

Can I try a few swims before becoming a member?

There are two memberships to understand. One is the national organization, U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS); the other is our local chapter of USMS, Swim Out. If you have never been a USMS member before, you can join this national organization (a requirement) for a free, 30-day trial. See the above section. However, at this time for our club Swim Out Orlando, the normal drop-in fee applies, but there is no commitment needed.

What does it cost?

Please see the Fees and Dues page and event schedule for swim workout times and prices.

What happens if I can swim only a few days in a particular month or I'm visiting from out of town?

Swim Out offers drop-in visits for occasional swimmers and visitors. Please see the Fees and Dues page for details. All of the requirements apply, and you'll have to register here before swimming. A drop-in fee is all that it will cost you.

Do I need to show a membership card?

You must prove your current USMS membership. In order to swim with Swim Out you must present your USMS registration card or validate that it's current by showing the coach on deck. This is an annual membership that gives both Swim Out and yourself insurance.

What should I bring to practice?

You will need to bring a bathing suit, goggles, and a towel. Although not required but recommended, optionally bring a swim cap, sun block, swim fins, hand paddles, kick board, and a pull buoy.

What about the social aspects? Does the team socialize?

Yes, both inside and outside of the pool. Besides getting to know fellow swimmers in the pool, many swimmers socialize with each other outside of the pool area. Many swimmers get together for dinner at a local restaurant. As a club, Swim Out will plan special swim and non-swim events throughout the year.        

Where can I get more information?

Look over our website, drop us an email, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Strava, Google or Nextdoor. Better yet, stop by the pool during one of our workouts. Welcome!