Summer swimming

As this blistering heatwave continues and with the sea on our doorstep, we thought it apt to write a blog on swimming. Brighton and Hove has a lot to offer those who want to get in the water, with several options that include both indoor and outdoor pools. This, of course, is a great thing as the benefits of swimming – especially for the elderly – are plentiful.

For one thing, swimming is low impact so it’s one of the easiest and least aggravating forms of exercise for those with osteoarthritis. And because there is no impact, it can often be continued for a lifetime. In fact, a quick look at the age categories of a few swimming competitions offered in England show no upper age limits!

Swimming can also build cardiorespiratory fitness as well as muscle mass while burning calories. Additionally, it can be a great alternative for people who are injured but are trying to maintain their fitness as the water resistance challenges the muscles without the strain or impact that’s experienced on land.

But the health benefits from swimming are often so much more than just the physical. One of our clients has mentioned the sense of freedom she feels when she gets in the water and we have another who finds it a great way to socialise and have fun.

We can confirm it also makes a welcome break from this summer heat and there are several places in and around Brighton where you can make this happen.

For outdoor swimming, our first shout out would be the sea. It’s been fantastic these past few weeks and today’s sea temperature was 19.8°C – more than three degrees above average. Before you take the plunge, however, we would recommend you check out the Brighton & Hove sea safety page or take a class with Brighton Swimming School where you’ll not develop the skills needed for open water swimming but also how to keep yourself safe in the sea.

For other outdoor swimming venues, you could try the recently re-opened Saltdean Lido or the oldest freshwater outdoor swimming bath, Pells Pool in Lewes. In Horsham, The Pavilions in the Park has a heated outdoor pool. But we’re keeping our fingers crossed for approval on the Sea Lanes proposal to build a National Open Water Swimming Centre. This would be a fantastic option for swimming in the city.

For those more inclined to indoor swimming, you could try the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove, Wadurs Pool in Shoreham. In Brighton, there is the Prince Regent Swimming Complex or one of the smallest pools, St Lukes, with five 15m lanes.

Of course there are also pools which require membership and include the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, Queens Hotel, Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront or The Virgin Active in Falmer.

Hopefully we’ll see you in the water soon!

_{Photo by Steve Harvey on Unsplash}