Masters FAQs

Getting started is as easy as finding a swimsuit, goggles and cap if you want it and registering for your practice time. For your first practice we recommend showing up early to meet your coach and go over any goals you may have.

If you can swim one length of the pool in the freestyle stroke, you are ready to join our group. There are a lot of swimmers who have never swam on a team and are just starting out. Your coach will help you navigate practice and place you in the lane that you will be swimming in.

You can start anytime by signing up for a free one-week trial. Jim Montgomery Masters Swim (JMMS) offers practices six days a week.

A swimsuit made for lap swimming that fits you comfortably, your own fitted goggles and a swim cap but only if you would like to wear one. Bring a bag with a towel for after practices, we do not provide towels for swimmers. Eventually, you may want to own your own pull buoy, fins, kick board and swim paddles. All these helpful tools can be ordered through D&J Sports, one of our JMSS partners.

Start out with around three practices a week so your body has time to rest in between practices. You can always add on more practices!

Remember, this group is about growing as a swimmer. You will build up endurance and swim farther distances the more you practice. Do not feel like you have to continuously swim the whole practice. Listen to your body, always ask your coach if you want to consult about adding in more practices. Make sure you take as much rest as you need when you get tired or if your heart rate gets too high. Everyone is different, do not compare yourself to any other swimmers in the program. You are at practice for YOU.

Of course! Our amazing coaches have ample experience on deck and are ready to help you become an efficient swimmer. They are there to help you with the proper stroke mechanics and technique. The coaches are also there to lead each practice and make sure everyone is having the best experience. If you have a question regarding technique or a swim set please do not hesitate to ask the coach.

All practices last one hour and are divided into several lanes based on skill level. Our practices offer multiple training techniques and aim to improve stroke mechanics. Depending on your skill set and goals, each practice distances will range from 500 to 3500 yards per swimmer.

Our program is for adult swim fitness and is not a true “swim team”. However, we encourage you to try and learn all four competitive strokes and any drills that may appear in a practice. It is our experience that learning and practicing the “B strokes” will improve your freestyle and conditioning. We know that drills and strokes can take time and lots of practice so if you need to modify during a workout just let the coach know.

There are no competitive requirements to be a member of JMMS. Many members who join have the opportunity to further their swimming goals by participating in United States Masters Swimming (USMS). This is an organization which sets up swim meets and events for adults 18 years and older. It can be a great way to measure your progress in the program. All of our members will have the opportunity to compete in local, regional, national and international swim events when they resume.

JMMS members like to get together and hang out both in and out of the pool. One of the best things about being a member of JMMS is the friends you will make along the way.

The answer varies depending on the individual and their swim background. If you have done little or no lap swimming before, if you feel afraid of water at all, if you have trouble with your breathing with your strokes, or if you are just needing a refresher without being in a group, we may suggest you start with private, one-on-one lessons. You can easily arrange a private lesson with one of our coaches. If you are uncertain, you can email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will be glad to discuss the best program for you. As a standard, if you have a hard time putting your face in the water and breathing, we suggest starting with the beginner classes at Jim Montgomery Swim. 

If you are comfortable swimming laps but have never participated in an organized practice, you are encouraged to try out a free week of JMMS practices.

Due to COVID-19 we are trying to limit the crossover of members as much as possible for the time being. At this time you will swim at the times you signed up for when joining JMMS.

There is a one-time enrollment fee of $25 to join with Jim Montgomery Masters Swim.

Masters swimmers are responsible for providing a current payment method on file. You will be subject to membership cancellation for fees not paid within 15 days of the due date. Credit cards can be updated securely by logging into your account by clicking here.

If a member wishes to cancel membership, the member must submit the request in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 10 days prior to the first of the month you wish to stop membership. As an example: if you wish to cancel your membership for September you would submit your cancellation on or before August 21.