​Aquanauts club swimmers are encouraged to attend galas in accordance with their age and ability. All swimmers who wish to attend galas must be SASA registered. 

Forth Valley Junior League (FVJL)

​The FVJL is a junior swimming league with 12 participating clubs. Galas are usually on Sundays at Bathgate Sports Centre and last for about 2 hours. There are 6 galas per year as well as the A and B finals in December, see gala calendar. The FVJL is a great introduction to competitive swimming. It is a team competition with swimmers competing in a variety of team relays and individual events. The gala has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is an excellent opportunity for new and inexperienced swimmers to try out competitions for the first time. The club coach allocates swimmers to events at this gala. Most swimmers will take part in 2 or more swims (a combination of relays and individual events). Events are time-banded such that swimmers who swim within the time band gain points for their team and swimmers who swim ‘too fast’ lose points. Aquanauts does not worry too much about this – we are just looking for our swimmers to perform their best and ideally gain a PB (Personal Best time). Swimmers of all ages can attend the FVJL. Taking part in the FVJL is free of charge. 

​Splash League 

​The Splash League is organised by Swim West Lothian for the 6 swimming clubs affiliated to SWL – Aquanauts of Livingston, Bathgate, Broxburn, Fauldhouse Penguins, Livingston Dolphins and Whitburn Trojans. Galas are held at St. Margaret’s Academy on Friday evenings. There are 4 galas each year. The Splash League allows club swimmers to achieve accredited times in 50m, 100m and 200m events. It is a team competition with swimmers competing in a variety of team relays and individual events. The club coach allocates swimmers to events at this gala. The Splash League is aimed at swimmers who are 14 years and under. Taking part in the Splash League is free of charge.

​Club Graded Galas

​As club swimmers gain experience and confidence they will be encouraged to take part in graded galas organised by local clubs. Aquanauts has its own graded gala twice a year. Each year Aquanauts publishes a gala calendar listing all the graded galas that club swimmers can attend. Each of these galas publishes a gala entry form indicating age and time bands. The club will inform swimmers if they are eligible to enter these galas. A fee is charged for each accepted swim at a club graded gala. This fee will vary but is usually between £3.50 and £5.50 per event. There is also an entry fee changed for supporters attending these galas (as this is one of the main sources of fundraising for clubs). 

​Regional and National Galas

​More experienced swimmers may qualify to enter individual events at regional and national galas. Again the club will inform swimmers of their eligibility for these galas. A fee is charged for each accepted swim at a regional or national gala. This fee will vary but is usually between £4 and £8 per event. There is also an entry fee changed for supporters attending these galas. 

​Aquanauts Club Championships

​Each year, usually in November or December, Aquanauts hosts its own club championships. This is a gala in which swimmers compete against other club members. Awards are made at a presentation evening. Medals are presented to swimmers achieving 1st, 2nd and 3rd place per age group in each squad as well as overall awards for each age group. A flat fee of about £15 is charged to take part in all events at the club championships.