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2026 Open Water Zones



Open Water Zones Application & Selection Criteria

Event: 2026 Southern Zone Open Water Championships

Date: April 24-26, 2026

Location: Lake Longhorn - 2391 Gun Range Rd, League City, TX 77573


Team Composition:

  • Age Groups: 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, Open
  • Team Size: Up to 6 athletes per age group and gender

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. USA Swimming Registration: All athletes must be registered with USA Swimming (North Texas Swimming) and in good standing.
  2. Qualifying Standards: Athletes must have achieved at least a AA time standard based on the 2025-2028 USA Swimming Motivational Time Standards.
  • 11-12: 500 Free (top 6 per gender)
  • 13-14: 1650 Free (top 6 per gender)
  • 15-16: 1650 Free (top 6 per gender)
  • Open: 1650 Free (top 6 per gender)
  1. Proof of Time: Times must be from sanctioned USA Swimming meets and verifiable through the USA Swimming SWIMS database.
  2. Time Achievement Deadline: Qualifying times must be achieved no later than March 8, 2026 (the last day of Sectionals & TAGS).

Application Process:

  • Deadline: March 2, 2026 (times from TAGS & Sectionals will be accepted)
  • Required Documents:
  • Completed application form
  • Signed code of conduct- provided after selection process
  • Payment- $125 (to cover entry fees: individual race, knock out, and relays)
  • Once your athlete is selected, you will receive the form to complete and pay. 
  • Application Requirement: Athletes must apply no later than March 2nd to be considered for selection.
  • Athletes will be notified no later than March 18th. 

Travel & Expenses:

  • Athletes are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs.
  • No group travel: Athletes will travel with their parents/families.
  • A room block is being set up. As soon as the information is finalized and the link is created for booking I will get it out.  


  • LSC Support: A North Texas Swimming coach representative will attend the event. Additional staff will be added as needed based on the number of participants. 
  • Head Coach- Kennedy Lovell from TFA 


  • Team Gear: Each athlete will receive a team cap, shirt/ tank & other team items.

Selection Criteria:

  • Top 6 applicants per gender in each age group based on qualifying times.
  • In case of tie-breakers, the fastest swimmer in the LCM version of the event (400/ 1500) will be taken.
  • Converted times will not be accepted. 

Additional Information:

  • Check-in & Race Procedures: Athletes must comply with all event regulations as outlined in the meet information packet.
  • Health & Safety: Athletes are expected to follow all safety protocols.
  • We will plan to have a team dinner on Friday early evening. 

For questions, please contact Jaime Lewis.