We're a group of swimmers from Brighton and London, England, who just love swimming and lifesaving, but not the hectic competition stuff. Many of us swim in clothes to build up strength and stamina. This also protects us from sunburn, keeps us warm and is terrific fun.

You need to book with us because we meet at various locations or we may plan a trip somewhere. Throughout the year we swim in the sea near Brighton. If you're 18 years or above you can join our fun.

Recommended Swimwear

Students must be able to swim at least 50 metres in light clothing and be prepared to wear appropriate safety equipment when necessary. Please note that students will get wet so older clothes and shoes may be advisable. Students MUST ALSO BRING to every session:
1. Two pairs of old trainers/sports shoes (one pair will get wet)
2. T-shirt, sweatshirt, trousers or a tracksuit (will get wet)
3. Windproof rainsuit or anorak and bottoms (will get wet)
4. A large beach towel, Swimwear, Sun block, and plenty to drink.
5. Dry clothes to change into afterward.

   Rainwear is a most practical outfit as it dries quickly, doesn't weigh much and protects you from windchill. Depending on it's design it holds more or less water when swimming.

Survival Swimming Lessons

Our survival swimming lessons are run by qualified RLSS lifesaving trainers, either on the beach or in the pool. You'll gain experience of swimming in different types of clothes, swimming with shoes on, falling out of a canoe, climbing onto windsurfers, jumping in, diving and more. Our training also includes water safety, personal survival, resistance training and fun exercises. Ask for dates and venues.

The more varied your experiences in the water, the better equipped and confident you will be in future. A strong, experienced swimmer who is well prepared is less likely to panic when things go wrong and can be in the position to help others.

It will be an advantage if you practice in different outfits. You can find all sorts of robust and inexpensive training gear in army surplus stores. If you don't have some of the gear needed, let us know and we'll lend you some kit.

Pool Training

We now have use of a lane in a public pool on Friday evenings to train swimming in clothes. It costs £25 to hire, therefore it only makes sense if enough of you come. Otherwise we just join in with the public session. They only allow manmade fibres into the pool, like rainwear or lycra suits. Sorry, no jeans, suits or shoes.

This is not a lifesaving class as such, but a chance to get fit through resistance training and wet games. It is well suited for beginners. We can teach you basic swimming skills. If you wish to take a lifesaving exam we can get you fit for the course and then put you in touch with a local lifesaving club.

We've developed new training exercises which are both fun and exhausting. It's not all hard work, we often just relax and talk about things we enjoy.

Our first swimfit session was on Monday, 13 July 1998. We rented a pool lane for an hour, whilst the rest of the pool was used for Aquarobics by some stout women (aka Happy Hippo Hour). It was great fun splashing around and building up some stamina swimming many lengths fully clothed.

In 2002 our swimfit fun and games sessions had about 4 to 8 visitors each time. Considering that we only had one lane available it got a little crowded at times. But who cares.


Recommended pool clothing:
Manmade fibres are best. You can wear T-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, tracksuits, rainwear, lycra clothes. Please, no cut-offs, leather or shoes, or your old laundry, as this freaks out the pool management.

Sea Swimming

It is possible to swim throughout the year from Brighton beach. Those who do so highly recommend the practice. There is a particular intensity in bathing on a winter's day. It is not neccessary to be a fast swimmer or even a good swimmer to join the daily sea bathers and enjoy the benefits it will bring. See also: brightonwaves.org


In the summer months we take surfboards, canoes, or inflatable boats to Saltdean Beach, just 5 miles east of Brighton (take bus 12, 14, or 27 to Saltdean). We go rockhopping, coasteering, paddle the windsurfer, drift along in a kayak, capsize, play beachball in the water, or just splash around. We have great fun on the beach and in the sea whilst we gain experience that may help us avoid some danger one day.

Recommended clothes for sea swimming:
Some bathers like to use fins, hand paddles, a variety of clothes, boots or socks, neoprene balaclava hats and wet suits, especially during the colder weather if they want to spend more time in the water. A brightly coloured swimming hat is useful.

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Just make sure your clothes don't interfere with your swimming ability. Dress up warm and protect against windchill with an anorak or poncho. Wind can cool you down fast.

If you live near Brighton, England, jump in and join us.