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The Pool to Pier Programme

A year-long, three-term course taking you from the pool to the sea.

Pool to Pier runs across three twelve-week terms. Each term builds on the last, working towards two summer sea swims: Around the Pier and Pier to Pier.

Autumn term — Sea Stroke

Pool-based

Stroke analysis, technique development and key drills (first six weeks). Then refining technique with advanced drills and stamina work (second six weeks).

To join: Comfortable putting your face in, basic front crawl knowledge, and able to swim around 6 lengths (120m) of front crawl.

Dates: 8 September – 26 October 2025, then 3 November – 21 December 2025.

Spring term — Sea Craft

Pool-based

Building distance and refining technique towards the summer sea swims. First half: reassessing ability, building physical conditioning, distance swims up to 800m. Second half: technique for varying sea conditions, sea swimming knowledge (tides, currents, beach safety), distance swims to 1000m.

To join: Able to swim around 400m of front crawl continuously with developed technique. Spring is the last term you can join.

Dates: 5 January – 15 February 2026, then 23 February – 19 April 2026.

Summer term — Sea Swims

In the sea (or pool when conditions require)

Sea swims of 400–1000m, working towards Around the Pier and Pier to Pier. We don't usually take new swimmers in the Summer term without a 1:1 session with a P2P coach first.

Dates: Times vary across the Summer term depending on sea conditions.

Session times 2026–27 schedule

Mondays 19:30–20:25Dedicated teen group · with Nigel and George
Mondays 20:30–21:25With Nigel and George
Tuesdays 07:00–08:00'Seafit' with Colin
Wednesdays 18:30–19:25With Hildi and Kerry
Wednesdays 19:30–20:25With Hildi and Kerry
Thursdays 18:30–19:25With Nigel and Kerry
Thursdays 19:30–20:25With Nigel and Kerry
Fridays 07:00–08:00'Seafit' with Claire
Saturdays 08:00–09:00With Kerry and Carl (TBC)

The two summer swims

The Pool to Pier programme builds towards two iconic Brighton sea swims. Both happen at the end of the Summer term — exact dates depend on tides, sea conditions, and the availability of safety cover, so we set them closer to the time.

Pier to Pier

~1km

A straight-line swim between Brighton Palace Pier and the West Pier, swimming with the current. The Programme's signature challenge.

Around the Pier

~1km

A deep-water loop out into the sea and back around Brighton Palace Pier — no current assist. A different challenge to Pier to Pier.

Both swims are fully coached and lifeguarded by qualified beach lifeguards. Family and friends are encouraged to come and cheer.

Pricing

£120 per six-week block · 55-minute sessions

Discounts

  • · Siblings: 25% off the third family member, 50% off the fourth — applies across Pool to Pier, Children's Lessons and Adults.
  • · Refer a friend: £5 off for both of you.
  • · Blue Light Card: 10% off group lessons, lane swimming and lane lights.
  • · Free top-up sessions: Teacher Training Lessons run during most school holidays at no extra cost (existing customers only).

Pool to Pier Returners

For existing P2P customers who've completed the programme. Coach-designed sets with a coach on poolside.

  • · Mondays 12:10–13:05
  • · Mondays 20:15–21:10
  • · Thursdays 19:15–20:10
  • · Fridays 07:00–07:55

£72 per six-week block · Experience and stamina required

New

Sea Fit

For experienced sea swimmers, those who have already completed our Pool to Pier programme, or swimmers just looking for a regular swimming community — Sea Fit is a regular weekly coached session designed to help keep those open water skills sharp and develop fitness and stamina.