The British Long Distance Swimming Association was officially
founded in 1956 upon the suggestion and urging of John Slater and Philip Rising
to promote open water swimming.
Since that time, the leadership, membership and athlete
representation reads like a “who’s who” in marathon swimming. The BLDSA
conducts a series of annual events throughout Great Britain and has acted as a
model for sister-type organizations in Scotland and Ireland. The BLDSA holds the
Lake Windemere International Championship every four years. This event was the
premier event for amateur marathon swimmers until FINA relaxed some of its rules
concerning professionalism. It continues to be a very important race on the
international calendar.
The FINA Open Water Swimming Rules were developed from
the BLDSA rules and guidelines. The BLDSA provided the leadership to FINA in the
formation of the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Organization. BLDSA members
served on the various developmental open water committees and commissions until
the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee was officially formed. To this
day, the BLDSA continues to conduct a very active program of championships and
to serve as a role model for open water swimming organizations throughout the
world. |
