RAA was established in 1965 by a group of parents and coaches interested in promoting competitive swimming in the Riverside Area. The Association is a self-supporting organization with substantial administrative responsibilities. RAA parents/guardians and coaching staff are extremely proud of the accomplishments of their athletes over the years. Since its inception in 1965, RAA has represented the City of Riverside in all levels of competition producing many Olympic Trial, World Game, Paralympics, Senior & Junior National, Top 16, Western Zone, and Southern California Junior Olympic athletes.

RAA has produced many All-American, World and National Record Holders, most notably World Record holder and 1984 Olympic medalist, Cynthia “Sippy” Woodhead. Robin Backhaus won the Bronze medal for butterfly in the 1972 Olympics. 2004 Paralympics Gold medalist Rudy Tolson-Garcia has also trained with RAA. More recently Bryan Haile was a finalist at the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Senior Nationals in the 100 Breaststroke and represented RAA at the 2012 Olympic Trials.