Georgia Open Water

2025-2026 Season Event Schedule

  • Okefenokee Gatorfest - September 7, 2025 - Waycross, GA
  • Swim Across America - September 20th, 2025 - Lake Lanier
  • GA Open Water State Championships - March 29, 2025 - Waycross, GA
  • Open Water Nationals and Jr. National Championships - April 2-4th, 2026 - Sarasota, FL
  • Open Water Zones - April 24-26th, 2026 - League City, TX (Near Houston)

Georgia Open Water Zone Team Selection

Swimmer Application: https://www.jotform.com/assign/252184466212151/220384405425046

Coach Application: https://www.jotform.com/assign/252183651998167/243094355177057

The Georgia Open Water Zone Team will include 6 athletes per category in the following divisions:

  • 11-12 Girls
  • 11-12 Boys
  • 13-14 Girls
  • 13-14 Boys
  • 15-16 Girls
  • 15-16 Boys
  • Open Girls
  • Open Boys

Athlete selection will be based on results from the following events:

1. Gatorfest – September 7, 2025

  • Top 2 finishers per age group and gender qualify
     
  • Swimmers applying for 11-12 slots must compete in the 2.5k race, regardless of their age on the day of this event
  • Swimmers applying for 13 and over slots must compete in the 5k race, regardless of their age on the day of this event

2. Swim Across America – September 20, 2025

Event Website

  • Top 2 finish times per age group and gender qualify
     
  • Swimmers applying for 11-12 slots must participate in the 1 mile swim, regardless of their age on the day of this event
  • Swimmers applying for 13 and over slots must participate in the 3 mile swim, regardless of their age on the day of this event

 

3. Open Water State Championships – Tentative: March 28-29, 2026

  • Top 1 finisher per age group and gender qualifies
     
  • Swimmers applying for 11-12 slots must compete in the 2.5k race, regardless of their age on the day of this event
  • Swimmers applying for 13 and over slots must compete in the 5k race, regardless of their age on the day of this event

Note: Fewer zone spots will be allocated at this meet due to a scheduling conflict (see below).

4. Distance Pool Races

  • Short Course State Championships (Senior State on Dec 5-7, 2025, Age Group State on Feb 20-22, 2026)
  • 11-12 swimmers will be evaluated based on 1000 freestyle times
  • 13 and over swimmers will be evaluated based on 1650 freestyle times

5. Remaining Slots

Any unfilled slots will be offered based on distance pool times at the discretion of the Open Water Committee.

 

Important Eligibility Notes

  • Age Eligibility: Selection is based on the swimmer's age as of April 24, 2026 (the first day of Zones).
  • Example: If a swimmer is 12 at the time of Gatorfest but turns 13 before Zones, they must compete in the 5k at Gatorfest to be eligible for a 13-14 spot.
     
  • Application Deadline:
  • For athletes qualifying via Gatorfest, Swim Across America, or Open Water State, the Zone Team Application must be submitted before the qualifying race.

 

 

Note on Open Water State Championship Zone Selection Change

Due to a scheduling conflict with Easter and the Zone Entry Deadline, the Open Water State Championship falls on the same weekend as two divisional meets. As a result, fewer spots will be awarded at this event this year, and those allocations have been shifted to other qualifying races to ensure broader access to qualifying opportunities.

 

Open Water Swim Essentials

Are you unsure what to bring to an open water race? Below is a list of essentials for open water swimming. Depending on the type of race, length, and venue some or all these items may be required. 
 
Baby Wipes

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If your race requires the use of grease (Vaseline or Lanolin) baby wipes help remove the residue from your swimsuit and body. They can also help remove race day numbers. 

Cap(s)

A maximum of two caps may be used. If the water is colder participants may opt to use two for warmth. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and if you would like to wear one or two caps.

Duct Tape

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This is great to have at all open water races. It can help hold timing chips to your wrists, tape your goggles to your cap or even help keep your cap in place.  

 
Feed Pole

In races 5km and longer the use of feed poles is permitted to provide nutrition to athletes.

Goggles: Tinted and Clear

It is good to have tinted and clear goggles in your bag to be prepared for the weather and water conditions.

 

 

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Lanolin

Prevents chaffing - good for saltwater races.

 

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Latex Gloves

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Use gloves to apply grease to body. It is extremely difficult to wash off Vaseline or Lanolin if you touch the inside of your goggle lens.

 
Practice Suit

It is always good to have a spare suit. Depending on the competition this may be the item you race in or you may decide to use an open water competition suit or wet suit.

 
Nutrition Items

For any race it is important to bring items to fuel before, after and during the race.  For races 5km and longer feeding stations should be provided, which allows support staff to deliver nutrition items to athletes.   

 
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Open Water Race Suit
Open Water Suit

Unlike the pool, in open water races, men's and women's swimsuits can go to the  ankle but shall not extend past the shoulder and shall not cover the neck. There are also different rules depending on who is hosting the event. Check the meet information or with the meet director.

 
Wet suit (if allowed/required)

Open Water Wet SuitIf the event is not a FINA, USA Swimming or USMS race, then the use of wetsuits is at the discretion of the meet host. USA Swimming (701.1.2), USMS and FINA have rules regarding water temperature and when the use of wetsuits is optional or compulsory. Wetsuits can be expensive to purchase so if of you do not plan to do open water swims frequently then try to find a place to rent one.

 
 
Sunscreen

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Always a good thing to have on hand.  

 
Vaseline

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Prevents chaffing - good for freshwater races.

 
Swim Bag

A place to put all your open water essentials!

 
Towels

To keep you warm and dry.

 

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Warm, dry clothes

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