World Open Water Swimming Association

Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, USA, the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) is an international governing body for the sport of open-water swimming. WOWSA provides membership and certification programmes as well as publications and online resources that foster community, celebrate achievements and codify the rules, records and vernacular to help the sport grow.

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First stage swim around Great Britain

Between 1 June and 4 November 2018, Ross Edgley (UK) completed the first assisted stage swim around the coastlines of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, starting and ending in Margate, Kent, UK. Wearing a wetsuit, Ross circumnavigated Great Britain swimming a total of 209 legs over 157 days and covering 2,884 kilometres (1,792 miles). The record was verified by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA).