1066 swimmers was established in 1991 and affiliated to the Amateur Swimming Association to promote competitive swimming in a friendly supportive environment. Since then the club has enjoyed tremendous growth in both the number of members and in competitive success. The Club now supports members from non-swimmers through to nationally ranked swimmers, from 4 years through to adult/masters.

The club is run by its members on a non-profit making basis by a team of dedicated volunteers and a team of qualified teachers/coaches supported by a number of volunteer helpers. In 2003 1066 swimmers achieved Silver Swim21 accreditation (the first in the South-East Region) and the Sport England Clubmark, and were also awarded ‘Sussex Swimming Club of the Year 2002-3’

The club starts with five progressive ‘Lessons’ groups taking non-swimmers from the age of 4 and teaching water skills and stroke technique through to a standard where they can move on to the competitive groups.

Two Saturday and two Sunday sessions enable the club to develop over 100 Swimmers in the lessons groups, whilst maintaining class sizes no greater than 8 up to Tadpoles, typically with a helper to swimmers ratio of 1:2 in the Starfish. Minnows and Goldfish enjoy larger pool areas and class size is no greater than 10.

Swimmers are treated as individuals and ‘graduate’ from each group as their skills develop. All groups are led by a teacher qualified to at least ASA Level 1. Lower groups are assisted by helpers from the competitive club. These volunteers are accomplished swimmers in their own right and use the skills gained in their training to help a new generation of swimmers.

The Dolphins group provides a transition from lessons through to the competitive club. Whilst the club welcomes new members at all levels, many swimmers who have outgrown other swim schools and wish to continue to develop their skills join at the dolphin level.  Swimmers develop stamina and stroke technique, developing at their own pace through the groups. There are many opportunities for competition from club championships, experience galas, league galas and open competition events at all levels. 1066 swimmers have hosted German and Belgian visitors, and have competed in international events combining competition and social events with our exchange hosts. Some swimmers may choose not to compete, developing their skills and stamina for fitness, fun and camaraderie

…either way 1066 swimmers is a club for all… “simply the best”