announced the formation of a new club devoted to adult swimmers.

The Bermuda Masters Swim Club already has more than 35 members and is expecting upwards of 60 swimmers Island-wide to join in the first year.

Swimmers first met about three weeks ago and since then have formed an intermim executive and, as required by FINA, applied for member status within the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association.

BASA is understood to be reviewing the application and it is not expected to meet with opposition.

Members of the BMSC represent a who's who of Island swimming: Mike and David Cash, Sarah Manuel, Claire Mancell, Tab Froud and Duncan Newby, among others.

"Masters swimming is popular world-wide and swimming has become a big thing in Bermuda the past few years,'' said club spokesperson Tamsin Douglas. "The time was right for (Masters) here to be recognised.'' By forming their own club, Masters swimmers will be able to get better time slots in the BASA pool and organise their own swimming programmes, club officials said.

Formation of the club now will also put adult swimmers in good position for hours when the 50-metre pool opens at the National Sports Centre.

There is a possibility the BMSC may hire a coach to aid both its swimmers and programme.

Masters swimmers range in age from 18 to over 100. The origin of the Masters swimming movement dates back to 1971, when the first organised group was formed in the US. Today there are more than 30,000 Masters swimmers in the US alone.

A contingent of Bermuda Masters swimmers recently had success at a meet in Mexico.

Masters swimming appeals not only to competitive swimmers but also those interested merely in its fitness, recreational and social benefits, Douglas said.