SEATTLE — The University of Washington is cutting its men's and women's swimming programs.

The cuts announced Friday are the athletic department's reaction to the economic downturn.

A university spokesman said the programs are among the most expensive in the department. The school does not have a competitive swimming venue on campus. The teams had to travel to suburban Federal Way to compete.

The teams were also at a competitive disadvantage because Washington doesn't have a diving team, due to a lack of facilities.

The department is also expecting to lay off a dozen or more employees in the coming weeks.