![[Photo of pool entrances]](../../PHOTO/CHESTERX.JPG)
Facilities: Pool
The baths at Chester are a wonderful reminder of a past era. It has two pools, the Atlantic (used for competition) and the Pacific (used for warm-up and swim-down). There are two entrances, one for boys and one for girls (not observed these days).
The pool is 25 YARDS, Six Lane (at a squeeze).
This is the meet to come to if you are over 55 and have a yearning to beat your old schooldays times that you set in yards. There are not many 'yards' pools left. And even fewer holding Masters competitions. In fact this is the only one.
The changing cubicles are on the poolside.
There are anti-wave lane lines. The deep end is at the North end and the starting is done from there.
![[Photo of pool]](../../PHOTO/CHESTR1I.JPG)
There are windows in the roof and in the gables at each end.
![[Photo of pool gable]](../../PHOTO/CHESTR2I.JPG)
Facilities: Car Parking
What Parking? If you park anywhere near the pool you are in for a fine. The Baths are on a busy inner ring road which would be next to impossible to cross except for the zebra crossing conveniently sited outside the baths entrance.
Facilities: Catering
The cafeteria is brightly lit and looks out over the Pacific. There is a selection of homemade drinks, rolls, sandwiches, cakes and the usual prepackaged foods, all served by the City of Chester Club members.
Facilities: Seating
The seating extends all around the pool.
![[Photo of pool balcony]](../../PHOTO/CHESTR3I.JPG)
It is possible for swimmers to go upstairs at both ends of the pool.
Facilities: Other
There is a well stocked swim shop.
Back to TopProgramme: Sessions
There are two sessions: morning and afternoon.
Programme: Individual Events
Basically this is a sprint meet with 50 yds and 100 yds events and a 200 yds freestyle. However, before the main competition there is a distance swim of one mile on the Friday evening.
Programme: Relays
Traditionally this is a 'top man in age group' competition. There is much inter-club rivalry to become Top Club. There are ten relay events, 4 * 1 length mens and womens freestyle and medley relays for 120, 160 and 200 years.
Programme: Specials
There are no special events.
Back to TopIncentives: Awards
Awards will be made to the first swimmer in each AGE GROUP.
A special feature of this meet is that the awards are presented at a nearby hotel after the meet has finished. Order your fish or chicken in the basket beforehand.
There is a shield awarded to the 'Top Club' on points.
Incentives: Level of Competition
The level of competition is at Club/county level with many 'top swimmers'. There are often many British Record-holders swimming.
Incentives: Local Heros
Local hero to keep an eye on, is Tom Walker.
Incentives: Other
There is Top Club shield.
Back to TopConflicts: Other Competitions
There are no conflicting swimming events.
Conflicts: Other Events
There are no conflicting national events.
Back to TopRestrictions: Age
Upper limit is Age Group M (80+). Swimmers in older groups will be combined into Group M.
Restrictions: Sex
Men have 1650 yards freestyle, women have 900 yards freestyle on the Friday evening swim. Otherwise, the same events for men and women.
Restrictions: Qualifying Times
None.
Restrictions: Closed/Invitation
Open competition.
Restrictions: Other
Competitors may compete for only one club.
Competitors must be registered with the ASA and be a member of an affiliated club.
If they wish to dive in at the start of the race, competitors must have reached the standard of the ASA Racing Start, and must perform a shallow racing dive. They must NOT tumble into the water head first. Competitors may start in the water.
Competitors must make themselves familiar with the emergency exits and vacate the building upon hearing the alarm, should this be necessary.
Competitors must report any hazards that they observe to an official as soon as possible.
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