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Pentaqua club history

In 1992 swimming was found to be the 3rd most popular recreation behind walking and cue sports. Of course not everyone participates in the sport in any way other than for exercise or recreation. As a sport, swimming has grown considerably in recent years and in the competitive arena this covers diving, water polo, synchronised swimming and of course our own sport in PENTAQUA of competitive swimming. Competitive Swimming has become one of the giants of amateur athletics in the world and is recognised as the second most important Olympic sport behind track and field athletics. There are about 1800 swimming clubs in England with nearly 50,000 registered competitors aged 9 years and over. Of course each club has many more swimmers who do not yet compete. Clubs vary considerably with some only catering for swimming teaching. Others cater for synchro, water polo, diving and many of the really big "professional clubs" usually funded by the local authority, cater for every aspect of the sport. PENTAQUA caters purely for the teaching and competitive side of swimming.

One of the main reasons for the growth in competitive swimming was the introduction of the age group programme in the late 1960's.

The aim of the programme was to encourage swimmers to compete against others of similar age and physique. 2000 saw a major change in Age Group swimming with the introduction of British Age Group Categories (BAGCATS), aimed at providing a sound foundation for future international swimming in 2008 and beyond. The changes are aimed to help nurture talented young swimmers through to senior levels without putting them under constant pressure to succeed.

It should be remembered at all times that the aim is to introduce young swimmers to competitive swimming in a way that protects their well-being. In addition we also aim to make the experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible so that they are consequently motivated to continue training over a number of years.

During the rise in age group swimming, 5 local swimming clubs realised that competitive swimming was not catered for in Lincoln.

Through the Lincoln & District Swimming Association these 5 clubs laid the foundations of Lincoln Pentaqua which was formed in March 1972. The name PENTAQUA coming from "pent" for the 5 clubs and "aqua" for water. Swimmers were invited to take part in a selection gala, the best of which were asked to join the new club. Initially Pentaqua was run by representatives of the 5 clubs, but in 1974 a new constitution was adopted. Pentaqua became independent and since then the club has became more and more successful in both teaching and competition, gaining a reputation that stretches the length of the Country. The club's successes at the highest levels prompted the name change to ‘City of Lincoln Pentaqua' to strengthen the link between the city and one of its top sporting organisations.