2026 Southern Zone Open Water  Championship

Southern Open Water Zone Championships will be held April 24-26th, 2026 in 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 Selection

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.