Swimming clubs in London
The sport of swimming is the second biggest participation sport in the UK and as the nation strives to improve its health and fitness, the popularity of swimming continues to grow. Teaching, Training and participating in competitive swimming is very active in London. Organisations. British Swimming is the national governing body for Swimming, Diving, Competitive Swimming, Synchronised swimming, Water polo and Open Water in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high performance representation of the sport. London Swimming oversees Swimming, Diving, Competitive Swimming, Synchronised swimming, Water polo and Open Water in the region and  organises annual swimming championships. Clubs in the London Region compete in one of the following County Championships depending on location in London : Kent County, Essex County, Middlesex County or Surrey County. London clubs generally compete in the National Swimming League (London) although some swim in other regions, with over 500 clubs competing nationally. It was in 1964 that the original idea was born within llford Swimming Club, that there might be interest amongst progressive clubs to form a League consisting of a membership from a much wider area than Essex County, which was then the limit of the 'local league ', which had been started in 1952 with just five clubs. Suggestions were put to the Southern Counties A.S.A. Executive, but they felt unable to take on and organize such a scheme, as they were already overloaded with work. However, approval was given for the Clubs to go ahead on their own. Swimming Pools. All of the clubs swim in pools in the London region and some swim at 50 metre pools at London Aquatics Centre, Brockwell Lido, Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, Gurnell Leisure Centre, Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex, and London Fields Lido.