On 11 November 1880, Christchurch Amateur Swimming Club opened – the first of its kind in New Zealand. It would be another ten years before another would open nationwide.
The newspapers of the day are filled with the results of the races that took place around the city; some even taking place at the Estuary and the dry dock at Lyttelton.
A merger with the Christchurch United Swimming Club in 1932 saw the club’s name change to the Christchurch United Amateur Swimming Club.
Proudly stating its history as the country’s oldest swimming organisation, this club is still a part of our city, teaching our youngest generation to enjoy but be safe in the water.
*Image courtesy of The Canterbury Public Library – http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/ – File Reference CCL Photo CD 14 IMG0056
