GPS Swimming: 10 Important Things You Need to know about GPS Swimming in Australia

Table of Contents

GPS Swimming History Review

For the past 2 decades, GPS Swimming has been one of the most popular sporting events in Australia. During this time, many swimmers have competed in the event and it’s estimated that around 50% of Australian swimmers will participate at least once in their lifetime.

However, there are some things you may not know about this event, such as its history and what to expect in your first year of competing in it. Keep reading to learn more about GPS Swimming.

What is GPS Swimming?

GPS swimming is a type of competitive swimming that is governed by the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA).

GPS swimming results are used to place swimmers in the correct age group and ability level for competition. There are four main types of GPS swim meets: developmental, social, interclub, and championship:

Developmental Meet

The developmental meet is for swimmers under 12 years old who have not competed at a state or national level.
Social Meet

The social meet is for those who just want to get out of the pool and enjoy themselves with their friends.
Interclub

The Interclub GPS swim meet is an official ASSA sanctioned event where you compete against other clubs from your region, as well as club members from other regions.
Championship

The Championship GPS swim meet offers elite competitions from all over Australia.

What is the Mission of the GPS Swimming Competition?

The GPS swimming competition is a yearly event that takes place in Australia. The mission of the competition is to provide a platform for the best swimmers in the country to showcase their talents and skills.

The competition also serves as a way to promote healthy living and encourage people to get involved in swimming.

How does the GPS Swimming Competition Work?

The GPS swimming competition is a competition between the eight GPS schools. The schools are Brisbane Boys’ College, Brisbane Grammar School, Ipswich Grammar School, Nudgee College, Queensland Academy for Health Sciences, St Joseph’s Nudgee College, The Southport School, and Toowoomba Grammar School.

The GPS swimming results from this year will be based on points scored at five competitions throughout the year, so each school has five races to play their way into being number one.

Points will be awarded for first place, second place, and third place, with no points awarded for fourth or lower places. The team that has the most points at the end of the season is crowned GPS Champion of Champions.

How can i Join the GPS Swimming Competition?

Joining the GPS swimming competition is simple and easy. All you need to do is to find a club that is registered with Swimming Australia and then register with that club.

After you have registered, you will be given a competition number which you will need to wear during all of your races.

The GPS swimming results are usually published on the Swimming Australia website a few days after the event. Some clubs also publish the results on their own website or Facebook page where they post their own results as well as those from other events.

How Much does it Cost to Join the GPS Swimming Competition?

The cost of joining the GPS swimming competition in Australia varies depending on the state you are located in. However, the average cost is around $200 per year. This fee covers your membership to the state body and gives you access to swim meets and other competitions throughout the year.

There are also usually additional costs associated with swimming, such as entry fees for meets and travel costs if you need to travel to compete. However, these costs can be offset by fundraising and sponsorship opportunities that are often available to swimmers.

Do I need to Train for this Kind of Competition?

If you’re new to the sport of swimming, or if you’re considering competing in a GPS swim meet, you might be wondering if you need to train for this kind of event.

The answer is yes and no. If you’re already a competitive swimmer, then you likely have the skills and endurance needed to complete a GPS swim meet. However, if you’re new to the sport or not used to swimming long distances, then you’ll need to do some training before competing.

It’s not enough to just swim an hour a day at your local pool. These events are much longer than any typical swim meet, often as long as 8 kilometers.

They also require strong mental fortitude because they are more physically demanding and can last several hours.

List of Equipment you Need to Participate in the GPS Swimming Competition

First, you will need a competitive swimsuit.
You will need a pair of goggles.
You will need a swim cap.
You will need a towel.
Finally, you will need a water bottle.

Rules and Regulations of GPS Swimming

GPS swimming is a great way to stay fit and have fun, but there are a few things you need to know before you dive in.

Below are four important rules and regulations of GPS swimming you need to know:

All swimmers must be registered with a club and hold a current Swimmers Registration Card (SRC).
Swimmers must wear proper swimwear that covers the body from the waist to the knee. For women, this means wearing a one-piece or tankini swimsuit or skirt not more than 4 inches above the knee.

For men, this means wearing board shorts or briefs not more than 4 inches above the knee. Swimwear should also cover any tattoos on both arms for both genders.
One-piece swim suits for men can be worn if they extend no lower than 5 cm below the top of their knees when seated. Female swimmers may wear high-cut briefs swimsuit that do not exceed 4 inches of the top of their buttocks while standing upright.
All other beach attires such as thongs, G-strings, jammers, hipsters, or bikini bottoms are prohibited. It is recommended that a swim cap be worn by all competitors.

Safety Concerns

GPS swimming is a great place to practice the swimming sport, but while participating in the event, it is important to note some safety guidelines to stay safe swimming. Below are some safety guidelines:

Always go to the pool with a friend or swim with a friend. Many dangers can be avoided by swimming with a partner.
Know your surroundings. Before you head out, make sure you know the area well and always follow any signs or directions from locals.
Wear a life jacket. This will help you stay afloat if you get into trouble while swimming.
Know your limits and don’t push yourself too hard – there’s always tomorrow for another swim. This information should also be shared with other swimmers who might join you on your adventure.
Never go near the deep sides of the water or pool without another person with you. Even then, be careful.
If you’re ever unsure of anything when swimming, find someone to ask and learn as much as possible before getting back in the water.

It’s important to take every precaution possible to ensure safety in the water. Remember, it only takes one mistake or one bad decision to lead to a disaster.

Conclusion

If you are a competitive swimmer or a skilled swimmer that enjoys a leisurely dip in the pool, you need to know more about GPS swimming in Australia, and even take a trial to have great experiences at the competition. It’s a great competition you will want to witness or participate in over and over again.