FAQ - Brighton
Q. Do I need to tumble turn or dive?
This is not required to join or needed on an ongoing basis unless you want to compete, but we can help with this.
Q. Do I have to wear traditional swimwear (e.g. speedos or a swimming costume?
Our members are a diverse range of people, body types etc and therefore, we operate a “wear what you want” approach. Please wear the swimming costume you feel most comfortable in. If you would like to wear a T-shirt that's fine, but we would recommend a “rash vest”, we can help with this.
Q. Do I need any equipment?
Just a pair of goggles. If you have them please bring a Pull buoy, Kickboard, fins, nose clip and hand paddles. These can be purchased at a later date if needed, we can help you with this.
We would also like to encourage you to wear a swim hat and to bring some shoes (ie flip flops) that you keep just for the poolside.
Q. What happens if I can't do the set or certain strokes (Butterfly, backstroke etc)?
We try to do a mix of strokes but you don’t need to do certain strokes. We can suggest alternatives. We would like to emphasise this for new joiners. The minimum requirement to join is that you need to be able to swim at least 4x25 m front crawl continuously (no stopping for breath) and complete a total of 800m (32 lengths) in an hour.
For swimmers new to club swimming we have a supported ‘Learn to Swim’ Lane. To join our Learn to Swim Programme you need to be able to Swim 50m (any stroke), feel comfortable in deep water and be able to tread water.
Q. How do I register for a free tryout?
Q. I am trans or non-binary, can I join?
Of course, you are very welcome. All OTS sessions are open to those who identify as trans or non-binary. We do not have separate gender training or lanes. We swim inclusive and non-gender specific. The Prince Regent, King Alfred and Sealanes have mixed private cubicle changing.
More information can be found on our club’s Diversity and Inclusion pages.
More information can be found here. There is also Trans-friendly Swimming at St- Lukes pool in Brighton, more information can be found here.
Q. What is the ratio of women to men?
Currently, the club is made up of around two-thirds men and one-third women. Through the work of our Women’s Rep and our Inclusive Women’s Group, we’re aiming to move towards a healthier 50:50 balance.
Q. What is the rough idea of the distances normally swum in a session?
Depending on the ability we swim anything between 1.2km (about 50 lengths) and 3km+ (120 lengths) per 1-hour session. But there is no pressure to complete the full set, to begin with. During our mid-week sessions (Monday and Thursday) we operate 2 lanes, in our Saturday session, we operate 6 lanes. The lanes are arranged depending on speed and ability, so you will always be swimming with those of a similar speed. Before coming along please make sure you read our lane etiquette guidelines and our glossary of swimming terms.
Q. What are the changing facilities and locker situation?
The Prince Regent, King Alfred and Sea Lanes have mixed private cubicle changing. Surrendean and Saltdean have single-sex changing rooms. £1 (refundable) is needed for the King Alfred. Sea Lanes and Prince Regent need BYO padlock. We also have the use of the single-sex gym changing rooms if needed, more info can be found here.
Q. I am a student or limited means and unsure about the cost of membership.
Out To Swim is a charity that offers a bursary scheme to all members. We offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries to help those who might otherwise struggle to attend training or competitions. Support can come in many forms, from reduced fees to supported travel costs.
More details on the support available can be found here.
Q. Are you more of a sports club or social club?
While we have members that compete, the strength of the club that shines through is how friendly it is.
Q. Are you planning any morning swims?
Morning swimming is one of the most popular times for public swimming, so it’s hard for us to get lanes available to book. The same is true for evening swimming mid-week 5 -7 pm.
Q. I’m not LGBTQ+ but I’m an ally can I join?
Absolutely. Out to Swim is an inclusive club that welcomes anyone who wants to take part. We have many ally members, including friends, family members, and parents of LGBTQ+ people.
Q. Do you have any posters I can display?
Please find a copy of our poster you can download (pdf). Please print and distribute as needed.
‘Safeguarding is Paramount’
Find out how we strive to safeguard your experience with us…
Out to Swim Brighton and Hove is a Swim England affiliated club. We adhere to the Wavepower Safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure a safe and positive experience for all.
We believe swimming should be accessible to everyone in an inclusive and supportive environment. To ensure our members, volunteers, and staff feel welcome,we have a dedicated Welfare Officer on our club committee.
If you need assistance or support during your time with Out to Swim, you can contact Ben Smith at brighton.welfare@outtoswim.org or approach him during one of our swimming sessions.