Sea Lanes Brighton is introducing a new series of open swim sessions designed specifically for visually impaired (VI) swimmers, as part of a wider commitment to making Brighton’s blue spaces more inclusive and accessible to all.

Running every Wednesday from 23rd July to 27th August, these dedicated sessions will take place from 11:00am to 12:00pm, with the pool closed to the public during this time to create a calm and supportive environment tailored to the needs of swimmers with sight loss.

Each session costs £7.30, and for those wanting more regular access to swim, concession memberships are available for £37.50 per month, offering access to general swim sessions across the week.

Event Information

Developed in response to the interest shown in the pilot session, these community-led swims were inspired in part by conversations around research by University of Brighton PhD student Sadie Rockliffe, whose work explores how people with sight loss engage with blue spaces through touch, sound, rhythm, and movement.

Her pilot swim session at Sea Lanes in June revealed both the wellbeing benefits of open water swimming and practical ways to improve accessibility, which helped inform this new programme. The sessions focus on creating a supportive, sensory-led swim experience, helping VI swimmers to connect with the water in ways that feel safe, joyful, and affirming.

This project challenges the assumption that natural environments are only accessible to the sighted, and demonstrates how thoughtful design and co-creation with those who have lived experience can transform blue spaces into truly welcoming, inclusive places.

Sea Lanes is proud to support this important initiative and be part of a movement creating meaningful, community-led change.

Booking and Contact Information

Travel Information

Sea Lanes Brighton is located on Madeira Drive, just east of Brighton Palace Pier.

Public Transport:

  • By train: Brighton Railway Station is the nearest major station. From there, you can either take a taxi, or catch a No. 7 bus from outside the station to the Sea Life Centre stop on Marine Parade. Sea Lanes is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop, heading east along Madeira Drive.
  • By bus: Regular services run along Marine Parade. The No. 7, No. 12, No. 14, No. 27, and No. 52 buses stop at the Sea Life Centre stop nearby.

Please note: From 25 July to 8 August, the Royal Crescent steps will be closed for terrace restoration works. During this time, the easiest route is via Madeira Drive from the Sea Life Centre roundabout.

For the latest travel and access information, visit: https://www.sealanesbrighton.co.uk/contact/

Information for Visually Impaired Swimmers

To help attendees plan and feel confident about their visit, here’s what to expect:

  • Pool depth: Uniform depth of 1.275 metres
  • Lane widths: Most lanes are 2 metres wide, with one 4 metre wide lane available during VI sessions
  • Pool temperature: Heated to 19°C, though it may be warmer in July and August. Live pool temperatures are available on our website: https://www.sealanesbrighton.co.uk/
  • Pool entry options: The pool features several sets of metal steps flush to the pool wall; each fitted with supportive handrails to assist safe entry and exit. In addition, there is one wider, graduated set of steps designed for gentler, more gradual access into the water.

Light levels and access:

    • Stepped and ramped access available
    • Transition from bright outdoor light to indoor reception area
    • Consistent light levels within the reception and entrance to changing rooms
    • Changing rooms and Changing Places area have darker lighting levels due to limited natural light
    • Transition back to natural light when exiting to poolside

Attending with Support
If it would help to have someone with you during the session, such as a friend, family member, or carer, they are very welcome to attend and support you poolside or in the water. We encourage anyone who might benefit from additional support to bring someone along.

Our access statement is also available at: https://www.sealanesbrighton.co.uk/access-statement/

For more information, booking, or queries, contact us 01273 044163 or email Lizzie at elizabeth.meadows@southdownsleisure.co.uk.