Introducing Marathon Swimming Australia: A New Chapter for Our Sport
Marathon Swimming Australia (MSA) marks an important new chapter for our sport. Building on more than 50 years of history through the Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation (ALDSF), MSA reflects both continuity and evolution, honouring our legacy while strengthening governance, safety standards, and international alignment.
With the launch of our new website and national database, we know there will be questions about what this means for swimmers, event organisers, and the broader open water community.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions to help explain what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how MSA will support marathon swimming across Australia.
Why are we rebranding from ALDSF to MSA?
The Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation (ALDSF) is rebranding to become Marathon Swimming Australia (MSA). The ALDSF has proudly served the Australian marathon swimming community since 1973, however, as our sport grows and evolves, so too should our national body. MSA reflects both continuity and modernisation, retaining ALDSF’s 53 year heritage while aligning with global standards, strengthening governance, and providing better resources for swimmers, organisers, and volunteers.
Alongside this rebrand, we’re launching a new website and promoting the Australian Long Swims Database, while preserving the history and legacy of the sport in Australia.
Why is this important for Australian swimmers?
Marathon Swimming Australia gives every Australian swimmer a stronger platform to have their achievements recognised and celebrated. For the first time, our history, records, and incredible swims will finally come together and be celebrated in one unified place.
Modernising the former ALDSF into MSA represents an exciting new chapter where Australian swims are documented in one trusted database, fully aligned with global standards and enhanced with clear safety and ratification processes
This means that whether you’re attempting a local challenge or an international crossing, your swim will be preserved, recognised, and part of Australia’s proud marathon swimming story.
What does this mean for the open water swimming community?
For swimmers, MSA will offer:
A centralised website with clearer information on swim ratification, safety, and events.
The Australian Long Swims Database, ensuring achievements are documented and recognised.
Recognition opportunities such as the Australian Triple Crown and access to globally recognised WOWSA ratification processes.
Will the Australian Triple Crown criteria change?
No. The three swims that make up the Australian Triple Crown, the 25 km Port to Pub, the 34 km Derwent River Big Swim, and the 26 km Palm Beach to Shelly Beach, will remain unchanged. These iconic swims represent the pinnacle of endurance swimming in Australia and will continue to stand as the benchmark for our sport.
MSA will focus on:
Greater visibility and promotion through Marathon Swimming Australia’s website, social channels, and partnerships.
Enhanced digital record-keeping in the Australian Long Swims Database, ensuring every achiever is recognised and their story preserved.
Broader recognition, both nationally and internationally, as part of MSA’s alignment with WOWSA and global open water swimming standards.
The Triple Crown will remain one of our sport’s most prestigious honours, and under MSA it will be given the profile and credibility it deserves.
How will history and legacy be preserved?
All records, Honour Rolls, and historic results from the Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation (ALDSF) have been transitioned to the new Marathon Swimming Australia platform, ensuring that over five decades of achievements remain safeguarded.
MSA is deeply committed to preserving this proud history by:
Providing digital access to archives and databases, making it easier for new generations of swimmers to discover and connect with our sport’s heritage.
Showcasing milestone swims and historic events.
Celebrating pioneers and Hall of Fame inductees whose vision and courage built the foundations of the sport.
Honouring legacy while inspiring the future, ensuring that every swimmer’s story, past, present, and future has a place in Australia’s marathon swimming history.
In this way, MSA serves as both the custodian of our sport’s legacy and the champion of its future.
What’s new for solo swimmers?
Solo swimmers will benefit from:
Simplified, World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) aligned ratification processes, including standardised observer logs and codes of conduct.
Access to accredited observers through new training opportunities such as the WOWSA Observers Course, helping to ensure swims are safe, credible, and globally recognised.
Greater visibility of their achievements on the national database and results linked to international recognition pathways.
Tailored insurance options, including coverage for swimmers travelling internationally. This ensures participants are better protected when undertaking swims overseas, providing peace of mind for both swimmers and their support crews.
Can Marathon Swimming Australia ratify my solo swim?
Yes. Marathon Swimming Australia is the recognised national body for the ratification of solo swims in Australia. Building on more than 50 years of history through the Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation (ALDSF), MSA provides swimmers with a transparent, independent, and credible ratification pathway
Our process is aligned with internationally recognised World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) rules, adapted for Australian conditions. This ensures every swim is conducted safely, judged fairly, and recognised both nationally and internationally, giving Australian swimmers the credibility and respect they deserve on the world stage.
How does MSA support event organisers?
Marathon Swimming Australia recognises the vital role event organisers play in keeping the sport safe, vibrant, and accessible. We support organisers by:
Providing a clear regulatory framework for event approvals, aligned with WOWSA standards but adapted for Australian conditions.
Offering event listings and promotion through the new MSA website, helping to increase visibility and participation.
Collaborating with organisers to ensure safety, credibility, and positive participant experiences, while maintaining the integrity of the sport.
Facilitating access to tailored insurance solutions, including the V-Insurance program, giving organisers peace of mind and strengthening confidence with participants, local councils, and sponsors.
How will MSA work with global organisations like WOWSA?
Marathon Swimming Australia is committed to aligning with the world’s best practice. We have adopted internationally recognised World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) rules, carefully adapted for Australian conditions. This ensures that swims ratified in Australia meet global credibility standards, while respecting the unique challenges of our local waters
MSA and WOWSA will also collaborate on education, promotion, and recognition initiatives from developing accredited observer training, to amplifying Australian swimmers on the world stage, and sharing resources that strengthen safety and integrity in marathon swimming worldwide.
What role does community play in MSA?
Community is at the heart of marathon swimming. MSA is volunteer-driven, and we encourage people to get involved as observers, officials, support crew, donors, or simply by following and sharing our content online. Every role, no matter how big or small, helps sustain our sport and celebrate the achievements of swimmers across Australia.
For those who want to go further in supporting or sponsoring the community, MSA is proudly partnered with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF). This platform provides a simple, tax-deductible way to contribute directly to the growth, safety, and recognition of Australian marathon swimming. Supporters of MSA can do so via the ASF or contact us directly to discuss sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
Together, we can continue to preserve history, strengthen pathways, and ensure every Australian marathon swim is recognised.
What does success look like for MSA in the next five years?
Success for Marathon Swimming Australia means:
A thriving and accessible national database that documents every Australian marathon swim, preserving both history and new achievements.
World-class safety frameworks supported by a growing network of accredited observers and trained officials.
National and global recognition of Australian swimmers, events, and achievements as part of the international marathon swimming community.
A united and engaged community that honours our legacy while embracing innovation, ensuring the sport continues to grow for the next generation.