If the Government needs any help in setting up their new national database for sporting records, they need look no further than the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association.

For the last 20 years, BASA have been diligently keeping records of everything that happens in the sport on, and off, the Island.

In a comprehensive list that covers a variety of categories and age groups, BASA have a complete list of every record that has been broken by Bermudians, and non-Bermudians alike.

And now, BASA are planning to put their records online so that the rest of the sporting governing bodies can see how it is done.

"The records that we keep have to be kept to a strict system implemented by FINA," said Ian Gordon, a past president of BASA.

"We have an electronic touch pad at the end of every lane, two hand-held timers per lane, and a head timekeeper with a stopwatch who monitors the whole thing.

"Once the race has finished we take all the information, and then the records secretary takes the time and compares it to the information we already have, such as the event, the age group, the swimmer's eligibility, etc. Only then can the record be verified.

"But we have records going back two decades for all categories of racing.

"It largely depends on the self-discipline and diligence of the volunteers.

"This sport wouldn't survive if it wasn't for the volunteers, but their commitment means that we can keep these records."

Such is the dedication of the people involved with BASA that the 35 records that fell at the recent Carifta Games have already been added to the list.

That list also includes records for an all-comers category where overseas swimmers have featured in races in Bermuda.

In 1999, the South African Brendon DedeKind came within 0.01 seconds of setting a new world record in the 50m breaststroke, and the American, Ryan Lochte, has set records in the 200 and 400 metres freestyle. All of these took place in Bermuda against local swimmers.