Young men sea-bathing

It is .. necessary to caution young men against too frequent sea bathing, and continuing in the water too long: every beneficial purpose is answered by one immersion at a time.

Taken from Lake Allen's History of Portsmouth, 1817

Benefits of the sea

Southsea beach boasts a superiority over any other in the kingdom, for the clear sea-water, and the acknowledged utility which has followed the use of its baths in numerous complaints which bade defiance to medical skill.

Thomas Roscoe, 1830

Swimming Club

Portsmouth Swimming Club was established in 1875 and in its heyday had over 1,500 members who swam from bathing stages, segregated for men and women, by Clarence Pier.