Brighton is the home of the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre which opens to the public today.
Located on Brighton beach, the new 50m, 6 lane open air heated swimming pool is supported by local fitness, wellbeing, food, and beverage businesses.
The first of its kind, it has brought a derelict site back to life and will provide much needed swimming provisions for the city.
The new pool is open to the public on a pay-per-swim basis with memberships also available. There are beachside cold showers and lockers available for sea swimmers to use free of charge.
Olympic medallist Keri-Anne Payne officially opened the new pool providing a swim Masterclass she said:
“Sea Lanes is a unique venue perfectly positioned to increase the accessibility of open water swimming for swimmers of all abilities in the local area. The benefits of open water swimming are vast and a venue like this offers so many people the opportunity to experience and enjoy them.
“Whether you are looking to gain the confidence to take the plunge into the open water or trying to achieve those marginal gains on the first leg of your triathlon, come and see how Sea Lanes can help you achieve your swim goals!”
Joe McNulty, Sea Lanes Brighton Director, said:
“We have been on quite a journey from entering into Brighton & Hove Council’s competition in February 2015 to opening today.
“Sea Lanes captures the spirit of Brighton & Hove. We have a 21st Century design, using the latest construction technology, with an acknowledgement of Brighton’s 19th Century heritage when it was synonymous with swimming and wellbeing.
“Currently Brighton has a major shortfall in swimming pool provisions only reaching 44 per cent of the Government’s target. Open water swimming has not only seen a spectacular 20 per cent annual growth since the 2012 London Olympics but also an explosion in participation from the recent pandemic.
“Sea Lanes will meet the demands of creating a seaside attraction, supporting swimming provisions and providing a hub for all open water swimmers in the region and further afield.
“The focus of the pool is for training and coaching, and it will act as a stepping-stone to facilitate swimmers and all water users to gain the skill, confidence and technique to start accessing the sea, both safely and enjoyably.”
Sea Lanes Brighton is delivered and funded by a passionate group of Brighton-based businesses and open water swimming enthusiasts, it’s centred on physical wellbeing and environmental sustainability. The design of the scheme also respects the adjacent Grade II Madeira Terraces.
Businesses that are located on site include: South Downs Leisure, SwimTrek, Brighton Surf Life Saving Club, The Endurance Project, Sea Gym Brighton, Paddle People, Reach Physiotherapy, The Little Beach Clinic, Luna Wave Yoga, Photomatic, Powerwatts, Barre Set, Bison Beer, Fika, Bloomsbury on the beach, Policy Impact Partners, Moore Law and Wood x Coal.
To book a swimming slot or apply for membership visit sealanesbrighton.co.uk.