Open Water Swim Registration
Join us for the Open Water Swim Event at MSA Nationals Championships 2026. Choose your distance and challenge yourself in the open water!
What is the date of the Open Water Swim?
The Open Water Swim will be held on Sunday 3 May 2026.
Where is the Open Water Swim being held?
The MSA National Championships OWS will be held at the Raby Bay Foreshore and will use a marked loop course with surf lifesaving water safety.
What distances are offered?
Two events are offered:
- 3 km Freestyle
- 1.5 km Freestyle
How many events can I enter?
Swimmers may enter one (1) event only.
Who can enter the Open Water Swim?
Entry is open to all Masters Swimming Australia (MSA) members. There are no non-member entries for this event.
What is the competition age?
Age is your age as of 31 December 2026. Minimum age is 18 on the day of the event.
How do I enter the Open Water Swim?
Entries are submitted online through the Nationals 2026 registration system on this website.
When do entries open and close?
Entries open: 12 January 2026
Entries close: 24 April 2026
No late entries are accepted.
What is the entry fee?
The entry fee is $70, plus any applicable transaction fees.
What is the schedule for the OWS?
Expected schedule:
- Check-in: 7:30–8:30am
- Compulsory briefing: 8:40am
- 3 km start: 9:00am
- 1.5 km start: 9:15am
- Cut-off (all swimmers): 10:30am
Is the briefing compulsory?
Yes. No briefing = no swim.
What are the cut-off times?
- 3 km: 1.5 hours
- 1.5 km: 1 hour
All swimmers must exit the water by the cut-off.
Are wetsuits allowed?
Wetsuits are permitted, but swimmers wearing wetsuits are not eligible for awards. Wetsuits become compulsory if water temperature is below 18°C.
What rules apply?
MSA rules, meet by-laws, and World Aquatics open water rules apply.
Are Multi-Class swimmers able to enter?
Yes. MC swimmers are welcome. There are no separate MC categories for the Open Water Swim.
How are awards determined?
Awards will be presented to the top three male and female swimmers in each age group.
Are records available for open water?
No. Open water events do not have records.
Where will results be published?
Final results will be posted on the Nationals website after the event.
What safety measures are in place?
Safety crews include powered craft, kayaks, and shore patrol staff using radio communication.
What equipment is not permitted?
No watches, jewellery, or equipment that aids speed, buoyancy, or endurance (other than wetsuits).
What happens in an emergency?
Swimmers must follow all official instructions and may be directed to exit the water and move to the muster point.
Will a shuttle bus be available?
Yes. A shuttle will operate from the South Bank transport hub or Chandler, aligned with the Nationals bus network. Tickets cost $5 and must be purchased before entries close.
