Nottingham Swimming Club was founded in 1880 for adult male members. Originally swimming in the River Trent but moving into our headquarters, the Victoria complex, when it opened in 1894. In 1905 a ladies section was formed amalgamating with the men in 1920. The first recorded success was in 1910 when we won a handicap race organized by Nottingham & District Polo League - which at the time was the only organization in Nottinghamshire swimming.
After the First World War the club prospered, success continued with the late 50’s and early 60’s being the halcyon days - with at least two members selected to swim for England and Great Britain. The Men won the Midland Championships for a record five consecutive years whilst the Ladies Team won the Midland Championships for three.
In the early 50’s the Club went through a traumatic time, the County Associates changed its name to Nottinghamshire Amateur Swimming Association and decided to hold central Championships; previously NSC had held these. With the coming of the County Coaching Scheme (Nova) club loyalties began to wane and our top swimmers began to drift away.
In our Centenary year we instigated the ‘100’ gala, which we won that inaugural year, this Gala still continues, and is only open to clubs that have reached their Centenary.
In 1978 the Club was asked if we could take on the teaching at Clifton Pool so that the youngsters of Clifton could be given a chance to learn good technique and perhaps become involved with swimming as a sport.
The mid eighties meant training difficulties with the closure of our main pool for re-furbishment, immediately followed by the Clifton pool; however we already had more youngsters on the Nova squads then than we had for 15 years.
These last years few have seen success with our Masters swimmers, Bob Blane and Bob Steel in particular winning national and World titles in the 45 to 55 year old class, the open water swimmers where we have gained titles at District events and Water polo teams, both young and old, having their successes.
Since the turn of the Century we have had a District Champion and several placings in District and National events.