The club was founded forty years ago because of the enthusiasm of twelve local people, led by Lin Dauncey, at the inaugural meeting on 5^th February 1964. Much hard work in the following months meant the Club was ready to open on 1^st May 1964 in its relatively new pool.

When we opened we were inundated with youngsters and after approximately a month we were obliged to close our membership at 700 and start a waiting list.

As a novice club in 1964 we were dependant on Sussex County A.S.A. for advice and encouragement but since then we have supported the County and made contributions to it. Many of our officers have become members of the Executive, filled official positions and six have had the honour to be the County President including Lis Hartley for 2004.

Our Club endeavoured to accommodate all disciplines of the sport and did so for many years until Lifesaving and Diving became independent organisations. In March 1969 we allowed the Disabled Group to use the learner pool for three months, which led to the formation of the Flamingo Club.

Right from the start parents of swimmers were encouraged to assist in the running of the club and this continues to the present day. We have been very lucky to have had their support over the years and we now see some original members bringing their children along whilst assisting the Club themselves.

Our swimmers have always striven to improve, although at the beginning it took nearly eighteen months before the club could report success:-

• Feb 1966    ­        Linda Perriman achieved our first Bronze A.S.A. Proficiency Award.
• May 1966           For the first time Club swimmers were selected to swim for a Sussex County team. Alan Smedley (who now swims for the masters) swam individual Butterfly whilst Susan Plumpton, Steve Braidwood, Clare Walby and Peter Smedley all swam in team relay events.
• Nov 1966           Richard Tilson gained our first Sussex County A.S.A. badge.
• Feb 1967            Crawley won its first gala against the combined team of Surrey Ladies and Beckenham S.C.
• Apr 1967            Linda Perriman achieved Gold A.S.A Proficiency Award
• Nov 1967           Nigel Smith won a National title at the Age Group 110 yards Butterfly which was seen on television

This shows the improvement that was made in the early years and this continues at an even faster rate amongst today's swimmers.

In 2004 a record number of swimmers reaching National Youth and Age Group finals culminating in the boys freestyle relay team

(Ben Hutchinson, Chris Hutchinson, Derrick Lee and Mark Harrington) winning Gold.