Floating memories

A permanent exhibition about the history of Brighton Swimming Club is now open at Brighton Fishing Museum, documenting the many roles of the club between the 1860s and the present day.

The first members met between 6 and 8am to bathe in the open sea, at the Chain Pier public bathing place – the only time the town’s byelaws permitted bathing without the use of a bathing machine or costume.

The club was also involved in sub aqua and spear fishing, surf life saving, Father Neptune celebrations, water polo, aquatic tea parties and events taking place from Brighton’s piers, as well as some of the now demolished swimming baths and pools.

Floating Memories is now on permanent display at the Brighton Fishing Museum. Find out more at the museum's website

Find out more about the Floating Memories project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, at www.floatingmemories.co.uk