A major new campaign, “Keep Brighton Swimming,” launches this week (Tuesday April 14th) as Brighton Swimming Centre calls on the public to help raise £50,000 to secure the future of its much-loved community pool.
The not-for-profit centre, which has been teaching Brighton residents to swim for nearly 50 years, is facing urgent structural repairs following the discovery of significant building issues, including damage to a front wall and a leaking roof.
Now, as it approaches its 50th anniversary, the team is turning to the community it has supported for generations.
“This is the first time we’ve had to ask for help,” said Managing Director Michael Kruger. “We’re a not-for-profit, so everything we generate goes straight back into the centre.
These are essential repairs we can’t delay – but with the community behind us, we can protect this space for the future.”
More than a pool – a place where it all begins
Originally built in 1976 for St Mary’s Hall School for girls in Kemp Town, Brighton Swimming Centre has evolved into one of our city’s hidden gems – a dedicated teaching pool and community hub focused on confidence, inclusion and life-saving skills.
Today, it is home to Brighton Swimming School, Pool to Pier and Swim UK, and is proud to be Sussex’s only Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) approved training centre, delivering industry-leading instruction, lifeguard training and water safety education.
Each week, more than 1,200 people of all ages and abilities use the centre
“For generations, this is where it all begins,” said Kruger. “First splashes, first strokes and lifelong confidence in the water.”
At the heart of the campaign is the voice of the community – swimmers, families and instructors who say the centre has changed their lives.
- “It is part of the community in East Brighton, where so few leisure opportunities exist for families. It’s the only affordable pool nearby. Lots of NHS workers use it. My toddler is learning to swim here.”
- “My children learn to swim there and importantly, grow up to be confident in the ”
- “Learning to swim is vital to ”
- “They have taught my autistic daughter to swim and be safe in the water. I never thought that would She was scared of water before starting her lessons and I have seen her confidence grow in the year we have been doing lessons here.”
- “I love my swimming I can now swim.”
- “I’m not a little swimmer ”
Jade, one of the managers, whose role includes securing funding and grants said: “It’s a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone is met with kindness and patience, no matter their starting point.”
For many, it’s the only place they feel comfortable learning:
- “A safe and fun place to learn… especially as an older adult, without judgement or ”
- “They’re so great with young nervous kids… their gentle ”
Freya, also a manager who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, added: “It’s a calm, warm pool with kind instructors – you feel comfortable straight away.”
Building confidence – in and out of the water
The centre’s impact goes far beyond swimming lessons.
- “A space where I can improve my strokes… Changed my”
- “Can feel really confident about making ”
- “You will come away excited and prepared for your next sea swimming ”
- “A place to relax and boost your mental”
- Families say the centre plays a vital role in children’s development:
- “My kids love it and have progressed so ”
- “One of the best places locally for children to learn ”
- And its teaching standards are widely praised:
- “Teachers are fantastic at understanding each individual swimmer’s ”
- “Very high-quality ”
- “Excellent teachers, everyone is passionate about ”
A vital community space at risk
As Brighton’s only independent, not-for-profit teaching pool, the centre provides inclusive access to swimming and water safety – particularly important in a seaside city.
“A city by the sea has a responsibility to keep people safe and confident in the water,” said Kruger. “With increasing pressure on family-friendly facilities locally, spaces like this are becoming more important than ever.” Without support, the impact could be significant. “Instead of growing and improving, we’d have to scale back,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to avoid.”
Join the 50th Anniversary Crowdfunder
As part of the campaign, the centre is inviting donations to raise £50,000 for necessary building repairs. Donations before 31 May 2026 will be entered into a 50th anniversary giveaway, with the prize pool totalling over £500 including swimming lessons for Adults 1:1 lessons, Pool to Pier coaching, kids group and lane lights sessions.
The campaign will culminate in a 50th anniversary fundraiser event on 30–31. May, inviting the local community to come together to celebrate the centre’s legacy and future – promising a weekend of family fun and wellness activities.
For many, the message is simple:
- “We love it! Please keep it.”
Or, as one swimmer put it: - “A little pool with a big welcome.”
Looking ahead
Funds raised will go towards urgent structural repairs, followed by improvements to facilities and accessibility, ensuring the centre can continue serving the community for decades to come.
“Swimming isn’t just a sport – it’s a life skill,” said Kruger. “Everyone should have the opportunity to feel safe in the water and experience the benefits it brings.”
To donate to the Brighton Swimming Centre and for your chance to win swimming lesson prizes, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/keep-brighton-swimming-centre-open
