Wilts County Amateur Swimming Association (WCASA) and now known as Wiltshire Swimming was formed in 1907. The first chairman was W.M. Bull of Chippenham. Other clubs represented at that first meeting were Salisbury, Marlborough and Swindon. Westbury, Lechlade, Melksham, Devizes, Warminster, Amesbury, Calne and Bradford on Avon were other early members of the Association. Swindon and Westbury were the lucky ones having indoor facilities, the other clubs making good use of rivers and canals.
In the early years, water polo and diving were more prominent activities than speed swimming but over the years swimming has grown in importance as the other two disciplines have declined with the addition of artistic swimming to the choice of aquatics sports on offer.
At the present time the County has 19 swimming clubs spread throughout the County, one has artistic swimming; two diving clubs, one in Trowbridge and one in Highworth; and water polo is practised in Swindon, and Bradford on Avon.
The County is managed by its Executive Committee who meet four times per year. A number of sub-committees deal with different aspects of our sport, such as competitions, masters swimming, open water swimming, education for teachers and coaches, training of officials for galas and development courses for swimmers.
These activities are all run by volunteers—many of whom have been in post for a number of years and the County could not continue to function without their input and the many hours they give to our sport every week.
Participants who do well in County competitions are encouraged to progress to Regional and even National competitions if they achieve the relevant qualifying standards.
Our overall aim in the County is to provide a safe and happy environment for all who wish to swim at whatever level they choose and for them to fulfil their potential and the many health benefits from so doing.