County, regional and national level events

As swimmers improve their skills and become faster, they will look to test themselves against the best. To enter these events, swimmers must qualify by achieving times within the set window before the deadline.

First up is the county championships, usually held in January/ February. The swimmer chooses which county to compete in and for PL swimmers this would normally be Devon or Cornwall. Swims from March through to December usually qualify.

Next are the regional championships, which cover the whole of the south west. It's split into two age groups which are held over three weekends in May. The qualifying times are tougher and the qualifying window opens at the beginning of October.

Summer nationals are split into British and separate home nations. These are held over two full weeks in the summer. Qualification is based on the top ranked swimmers in the country and times must be achieved at long course level 1.