{"id":52960,"date":"2026-04-22T08:23:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T08:23:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/?p=52960"},"modified":"2026-04-22T08:44:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T08:44:31","slug":"keep-brighton-swimming-50000-appeal-launched-to-save-community-pool-as-it-nears-50th-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/2026\/04\/22\/keep-brighton-swimming-50000-appeal-launched-to-save-community-pool-as-it-nears-50th-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cKeep Brighton Swimming\u201d: \u00a350,000 Appeal Launched to Save Community Pool as it Nears 50th Anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"52960\" class=\"elementor elementor-52960\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2881eb30 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2881eb30\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73a1e048 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73a1e048\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A major new campaign, \u201cKeep Brighton Swimming,\u201d launches this week (Tuesday April 14th) as Brighton Swimming Centre calls on the public to help raise \u00a350,000 to secure the future of its much-loved community pool.<\/p><p>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.<\/p><p>Now, as it approaches its 50th anniversary, the team is turning to the community it has supported for generations.<\/p><blockquote><p>\u201cThis is the first time we\u2019ve had to ask for help,\u201d said Managing Director Michael Kruger. \u201cWe\u2019re a not-for-profit, so everything we generate goes straight back into the centre.<\/p><p>These are essential repairs we can\u2019t delay \u2013 but with the community behind us, we can protect this space for the future.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><h3>More than a pool \u2013 a place where it all begins<\/h3><p>Originally built in 1976 for St Mary&#8217;s Hall School for girls in Kemp Town, Brighton Swimming Centre has evolved into one of our city\u2019s hidden gems \u2013 a dedicated teaching pool and community hub focused on confidence, inclusion and life-saving skills.<\/p><p>Today, it is home to Brighton Swimming School, Pool to Pier and Swim UK, and is proud to be Sussex\u2019s only Swimming Teachers\u2019 Association (STA) approved training centre, delivering industry-leading instruction, lifeguard training and water safety education.<\/p><h3>Each week, more than 1,200 people of all ages and abilities use the centre<\/h3><p>\u201cFor generations, this is where it all begins,\u201d said Kruger. \u201cFirst splashes, first strokes and lifelong confidence in the water.\u201d<\/p><p>At the heart of the campaign is the voice of the community \u2013 swimmers, families and instructors who say the centre has changed their lives.<\/p><ul><li><em>\u201cIt is part of the community in East Brighton, where so few leisure opportunities exist<\/em><em> for families. It\u2019s the only affordable pool nearby. Lots of NHS workers use it. My toddler is learning to swim here.\u201d<\/em><\/li><li><em>\u201cMy children learn to swim there and importantly, grow up to be confident in the<\/em><em> \u201d<\/em><\/li><li><em>\u201cLearning to swim is vital to \u201d<\/em><\/li><li><em>\u201cThey have taught my autistic daughter to swim and be safe in the water. I never<\/em><em> 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.\u201d<\/em><\/li><li><em>\u201cI love my swimming I can now swim.\u201d<\/em><\/li><li><em>\u201cI\u2019m not a little swimmer \u201d<\/em><\/li><\/ul><p style=\"text-align: left\">Jade, one of the managers, whose role includes securing funding and grants said: <em>\u201cIt\u2019s a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone is met with kindness and patience, no matter their starting point.\u201d<\/em><\/p><p style=\"text-align: left\">For many, it\u2019s the only place they feel comfortable learning:<\/p><ul><li><em>\u201cA safe and fun place to learn\u2026 especially as an older adult, without judgement or \u201d<\/em><\/li><li><em>\u201cThey\u2019re so great with young nervous kids\u2026 their gentle \u201d<\/em><\/li><\/ul><p>Freya, also a manager who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, added: \u201cIt\u2019s a calm, warm pool with kind instructors \u2013 you feel comfortable straight away.\u201d<\/p><h3>Building confidence \u2013 in and out of the water<\/h3><p>The centre\u2019s impact goes far beyond swimming lessons.<\/p><ul><li>\u201cA space where I can improve my strokes\u2026 Changed my\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cCan feel really confident about making \u201d<\/li><li>\u201cYou will come away excited and prepared for your next sea swimming \u201d<\/li><li>\u201cA place to relax and boost your mental\u201d<\/li><li>Families say the centre plays a vital role in children\u2019s development:<\/li><li>\u201cMy kids love it and have progressed so \u201d<\/li><li>\u201cOne of the best places locally for children to learn \u201d<\/li><li>And its teaching standards are widely praised:<\/li><li>\u201cTeachers are fantastic at understanding each individual swimmer\u2019s \u201d<\/li><li>\u201cVery high-quality \u201d<\/li><li>\u201cExcellent teachers, everyone is passionate about \u201d<\/li><\/ul><h3>A vital community space at risk<\/h3><p>As Brighton\u2019s only independent, not-for-profit teaching pool, the centre provides inclusive access to swimming and water safety \u2013 particularly important in a seaside city.<\/p><blockquote><p><em>\u201cA city by the sea has a responsibility to keep people safe and confident in the water,\u201d said Kruger. \u201cWith increasing pressure on family-friendly facilities locally, spaces like this are becoming more important than ever.\u201d Without support, the impact could be significant. \u201cInstead of growing and improving, we\u2019d have to scale back,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019re trying to avoid.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><h3>Join the 50<sup>th<\/sup> Anniversary Crowdfunder<\/h3><p>As part of the campaign, the centre is inviting donations to raise \u00a350,000 for necessary building repairs. Donations before 31 May 2026 will be entered into a 50th anniversary giveaway, with the prize pool totalling over \u00a3500 including swimming lessons for Adults 1:1 lessons, Pool to Pier coaching, kids group and lane lights sessions.<\/p><p>The campaign will culminate in a 50th anniversary fundraiser event on 30\u201331. May, inviting the local community to come together to celebrate the centre\u2019s legacy and future \u2013 promising a weekend of family fun and wellness activities.<\/p><p>For many, the message is simple:<\/p><ul><li style=\"text-align: left\">\u201cWe love it! Please keep it.\u201d<br \/>Or, as one swimmer put it:<\/li><li>\u201cA little pool with a big welcome.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><h3>Looking ahead<\/h3><p>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.<\/p><blockquote><p>\u201cSwimming isn\u2019t just a sport \u2013 it\u2019s a life skill,\u201d said Kruger. \u201cEveryone should have the opportunity to feel safe in the water and experience the benefits it brings.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote><p>To donate to the Brighton Swimming Centre and for your chance to win swimming lesson prizes, visit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdfunder.co.uk\/p\/keep-brighton-swimming-centre-open\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.crowdfunder.co.uk\/p\/keep-brighton-swimming-centre-open\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a456aa e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9a456aa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a8a136 elementor-share-buttons--view-icon-text elementor-share-buttons--skin-gradient elementor-share-buttons--shape-square elementor-grid-0 elementor-share-buttons--color-official elementor-widget elementor-widget-share-buttons\" data-id=\"5a8a136\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"share-buttons.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-grid\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_facebook\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Share on facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fab-facebook\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.78 90.69 226.38 209.25 245V327.69h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.31 482.38 504 379.78 504 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-share-btn__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShare on Facebook\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A major new campaign, \u201cKeep Brighton Swimming,\u201d launches this week (Tuesday April 14th) as Brighton Swimming Centre calls on the public to help raise \u00a350,000 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":52961,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[687],"tags":[],"directory-category":[],"event_categories":[],"class_list":["post-52960","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fundraising"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":true,"date":"2026-07-31 19:45:00","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[0],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52960","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52960"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52960\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52975,"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52960\/revisions\/52975"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52961"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52960"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52960"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52960"},{"taxonomy":"directory-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/directory-category?post=52960"},{"taxonomy":"event_categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefamilygrapevine.co.uk\/brighton-hove\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event_categories?post=52960"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}