Frequently Asked Questions

How to join us Q: I’m coming to Utah for the week, can I join your practice while I’m in town? A: When we say “visitor’s welcome” we truly mean it. We LOVE visits from our USMS and worldwide IGLA friends! Just pay the pool admission ($4.50) and tell the coach on deck you’re new and/or visiting. No other requirements, really, it’s as easy as that. Q:Do I have to be gay to swim with QUAC? A: Of course not. QUAC welcomes everyone, period. Q: How do I join? A: When you wish to swim with us, simply bring a swimming suit and goggles and show up to practice. Introduce yourself to a coach on deck who will advise you on which lane to swim in. We usually use 6 or 7 lanes arranged by ability and speed. Lanes 1 and 2 are for swimmers just learning basic stroke technique, more advanced swimmers swim in the upper lanes. There are several coaches who take turns, with three coaches available at most practices so the beginner swimmers can get very individualized instruction. Q: I can’t even dog paddle. Can I still join? A: Swimmers of all ability levels are welcome. If you want to learn to swim, we will be glad to teach you. Q: I used to swim in high school/college/etc. Will QUAC be able to challenge me? A:Guaranteed. Even if you’re Michael Phelps (Michael, you’re welcome to practice with us any time!) we’ll challenge you. Q: My work/school schedule prevents me from making it to every practice. Is that OK? A: Come when you can. It’s not a big deal. Once people get to know you, you will be missed, but no one will be shouting at you for missing practice. You’re an adult now, we trust you can make your own decisions in life. Of course we can’t guarantee the team won’t show up at the library and kidnap you back to the pool… seriously, practice is just an hour, and Eratosthenes won’t miss you. Q: Do I have to wear a speedo? A: No. Wear whatever you are comfortable swimming in. Speedos produce less drag in the water than, say, board shorts. Beginning swimmers probably won’t notice a big difference. There’s a reason why swimmers wear them, and we highly recommend using proper equipment including a sport specific swim suit. The better you get the more difference you will notice with your swim suit. Q: I don’t have a speedo / My speedo is on its last legs, where is a good place to buy a new one? A: Pool N Patio offers discounts to Masters swimmers. They have some QUAC suits, although the inventory varies throughout the year. Pool N Patio 2171 E. 3300 S. 801-485-5550 Q: How often do you attend meets? A: We attend some local meets throughout the year . We also attend the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) World Championships each year. Q: How do I join your mailing list? A: Simple, just click here and provide your e-mail address. Q: What if I am just looking for a social or fitness outlet and not interested in competitions? A: You do not have to compete if you do not want to. However, you should know that QUAC and IGLA in general are not as competitive as high school and college athletics can be. The emphasis is on participating and improving your own times. The participants vary from former collegiate swimmers to those just learning how to swim. Each year there is usually at least one swimmer who attends the IGLA championship who has never been in a swimming meet prior to the competition. They all have a great time. Q: Do I need medical clearance to swim with QUAC? A: Medical clearance is not required to swim with QUAC. However, we strongly suggest that you consult a doctor if you have any medical condition that could jeopardize your safety while in the water. You can get more information by reading our safety guidelines. Q: How much does it cost to QUAC? A: That depends… You have to pay to enter the pool and you’ll have to pay a little more if you want to compete. Membership dues to QUAC (although highly encouraged and greatly appreciated) are not mandatory. QUAC does not charge fees for our programming. Pool Pass: A day pass to Fairmont Pool is $4.50. Monthly or yearly passes to the County Recreation facilities are available, inquire at the pool.  A ‘Gold Pass’ is an yearly pass to all County facilities and might be the most cost-efficient option if you swim often and at different pools. Competition Fees: If you wish to compete at any swim meet you will have to be registered with United States Masters Swimming (USMS). QUAC is one of the registered clubs of Utah Masters. USMS dues are approximately $40/year, and discounted rates for a single meet or partial year are available. Check the Utah Masters website for details. For Polo you’ll have to register with USA Polo, and for Multi-Sports you’ll need to become a member of USA Triathlon. Their fees are $60 and $39 respectfully. QUAC Dues: Basic QUAC membership is $25/year and voluntary. Elite Memberships start at $10/month. Check the ‘Membership’ page for registration and membership details. Q: I still have questions. Who can I talk to? A: You can talk to a a coach during practice or email your question using this form