Initiated and created by Paul Farrington and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Floating Memories focuses on over 150 years of the sporting and sea bathing heritage of Brighton Swimming Club, and how it influences the people and the city of Brighton & Hove in the past and present day.

This archive is available to view in person at the East Sussex Record Office. If you wish to view the catalogue code please reference catalogue code AMS 6946.

From the 1860s to the present day, Brighton Swimming Club has had a fascinating role in the development of swimming in Brighton, especially from the beach.

The first members met between 6-8am 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.

One of the Club’s objectives was to raise swimming from its comparative obscurity and facilitate, instruct and reward others in the art of swimming.

The Club’s rich archives reveal stories about Captain Camp, the one-legged swimming instructor, who had a famous motto: ‘I dare the wave, a life to save’.

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

www.floatingmemories.co.uk