Founded in 1948 during the London Olympic Games, UANA (Unión Americana de Natación), now known as PanAm Aquatics, was established by athletic administrators with a shared vision: to unify and advance aquatic sports across the Americas. From the beginning, the organization sought to organize, supervise, and oversee amateur swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and open water disciplines throughout the Western Hemisphere.
The founding included representatives from across the Americas, reflecting the continent-wide scope and ambition of the new association. Over the decades, the organization has evolved to become the recognized governing continental organization for the Americas under World Aquatics, driving development, governance, and excellence in aquatics across the region.
Today, PanAm Aquatics continues this legacy—promoting safe, fair, and high-quality aquatic sports, supporting athletes, coaches, technical officials, and National Federations, and uniting the Americas through a shared passion for aquatics competition. Over the years, the organization has grown tremendously, expanding the size and reach of its events, increasing the breadth of initiatives and development programs, extending outreach, and providing ever-greater support to stakeholders across the continent.
The transition from UANA to PanAm Aquatics marked a modern, inclusive evolution of aquatic sport governance in the Americas. This rebranding and restructuring strengthened alignment with World Aquatics standards and strengthened leadership, transparency, and support for all disciplines.
Since then, PanAm Aquatics has grown dramatically—launching multi-discipline championships, expanding competitions and development programs, and using digital tools to connect with stakeholders across the continent.
From serving on committees and supporting events and programs to mentoring athletes and driving initiatives, their dedication and passion power the organization, strengthen our community, and help create opportunities for growth, excellence, and connection across the continent.
We encourage you to get involved and experience the best of aquatics—joining a supportive, driven community guided by a shared vision for a stronger, more vibrant aquatic future.
