Age doesn’t matter when it comes to the Calgary Aquamums Masters artistic swimming club.
The group of artistic swimmers includes adults from their late 20s to well into their 90s, proving that staying active has no age limit.
A club built on inclusion
The club began in 1971 at the Beltline YWCA in Calgary, with just five moms looking for a fun way to stay active.
Today, it has approximately 34 members, and while the majority compete at provincial, national and international events, some simply come for the joy of swimming and the community.
A few drop in only occasionally, yet still feel part of the team.
Morning practices run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Janet Thompson drops in for a shorter swim these days because she is currently injured.
“My Tuesday and Thursday mornings are like, ‘Okay, I get to see everybody!’” Thompson said. “Even if it’s just for 15 minutes.”
Swimming is known to have many health benefits, and doing it with others is especially beneficial.
“For older adults, community-based swimming programs provide an avenue for socialization, helping to combat loneliness and improve overall life satisfaction,” according to a 2025 research article in the Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies.
Swimming increases heart and lung endurance and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Since it involves using almost all body muscles, it can also increase muscle strength.
A shared history in the sport
To qualify for Aquamums, you must be able to perform at the basic artistic swimming level. Many of the members are former Aquabelles, one of Calgary’s synchro swim clubs, or retired artistic swimmers who have returned to the sport they love.
“I think we’re all water babies from way back when, and water is very forgiving for when you’re older, because it doesn’t stretch your joints and everything as much,” said Gail Langman, member of the group. “So combining that with the love of synchro, it’s fantastic.”
The club has a long history of competing internationally.
Last year, members travelled to Singapore for the world championships, where they won a combination of silver and bronze medals.
Each trip is celebrated with a photo album, a tradition the team has kept for years.
A strong sense of community
Coach and swimmer Carol Fitzsimmons, who has been with the group since 1986, says she fell in love with it right away and that it feels like a family.
“It’s just the support and love of the sport they have and love of each other after all this time,” she said.
Other members of the Aquamums feel that their connections and friendships in the group are what keep them going.
Carolyne Marshall started swimming artistically at 13. When she retired at 60, she wanted to do something fun
“I’ve only been with the group for two years, but I’ve learned so much from these women,” said Marshall.
When it comes to motivation, Ruth Weis finds that multiple factors keep the team on track. Activities like yoga help with coordination, their range of motion, and balance.
“The coaches motivate us as well. But being part of a group is the main thing — the whole group,” said Weis.
Practices include splitting into two. While one half works directly with the coach on the routine, the other half practices on their own, chatting, laughing, and enjoying the social side of swimming.
“I think what the bottom line is that Masters is friends,” said Dot Padget, one of the members. “We’re friends, and we like to compete. We want to do well, but we’re out there for a good time.”
Challenging perceptions of aging
Most members are in their 50s to 80s. The oldest member is in her 90s. They all show that age is not a barrier to staying active, travelling, or learning new skills.
In many ways, the Calgary Aquamums Masters are breaking down stereotypes about aging. Their time in the pool proves that staying active, connected, and adventurous is possible at any stage of life.
“You get in the water, and you don’t feel your age,” said Thompson.