Age group swimming is divided into specific age, gender and level of skill. The categories are also grouped according to levels based on the fastest times achieved by swimmers in each age group. Meets are once a month, or so. Swim meets last about 4 hours. Racing at this level depend on the amount of training and swimming ability.
Awards are normally certificates or ribbons.
This level of swimmers compete at a district level meet. Swim competiton usually last 4 hours. Again, racing is done in the same age group, gender and physical fitness. This swimmer knows the basics for all four competitive stokes. Awards for compettion is usually ribbon awards.