History of Havre des Pas Pool

On the coast

Havre des Pas Pool A busy pool in the 1930s In 1889 proposals were put forward by the Jersey Swimming Club to build two outdoor bathing pools, one for women and one for men. In the event only one was proceeded with at Havre des Pas and initially it was restricted to use by ladies, although eventually men were admitted as well

Jersey Swimming Club

The Jersey Swimming Club was established in 1865 by a group of swimming enthusiasts concerned about the frequent accidents and loss of life at bathing areas around the island. The club aimed to create safe environments for swimming and soon designated areas in the Havre des Pas area for this purpose.

Plans for a permanent bathing area were produced in 1874 and again in 1889 when Mr Genge submitted a plan for the construction of a pool within the area of water between Fisherman’s Rock and d’Augergne Rock.

In 1882 Mr Lloyd presented two plans for bathing accommodation which included two pools (for gentlemen and ladies). Both plans were approved but only one pool was ever built.

Havre des Pas Swimming Pool was opened on 22 May 1895, built on a plot of foreshore leased from the Crown. It consisted of a large pool attached to a circular granite tower high above the water mark. The tower contained changing booths and a club room. It was connected to land by a steel and timber bridge which enabled bathers to get ashore at high water.

The Swimming Club enjoyed great popularity, especially in the 1920s and 30s, which resulted in a period of continual improvement to the facilities. 29 new cabins were built on the tower in 1922 and the floor of the tower was concreted over.

Diamond Jubilee

An extension to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the club was built in 1925. R C Blampied designed the extension which had to be painted to reduce the glare of the sun and became known as the Blue Terrace.

Gales weakened the bridge in 1931 and it was replaced. In the same year a lower terrace was under construction below the Blue Terrace.

In 1934 new dressing baskets and fresh water showers were installed. A large new office was also built with bathing terrace above. In 1936 an open air dressing area was built of concrete on the upper terrace. In 1937 the diving pit was deepened and widened.

During the German Occupation the pool slid into disrepair, not aided by a storm which ripped off the roof and diving boards in October 1945. After the Liberation repairs were carried out to the terrace and sea wall. In the 1950s improvements continued which included a pool shop on the tower and dismantling cabins at the rear of the Blue Terrace, which was roofed and converted into a store.

In 1956 the main gates at the top of the bridge were constructed. In 1957 a new reinforced concrete diving stage was built.

However, after the war the Jersey Swimming Club failed to return to the financial stability it had enjoyed. Inclement weather increased the decline of the pool as gales battered the exposed pool and terraces every winter.

The attraction of the outdoor pool diminished further when Fort Regent swimming pool opened in 1972, and the swimming club moved to Fort Regent.

Structurally the granite work withstood weather conditions, but the concrete additions suffered and the link bridge was destroyed by storms.

A major restoration project was carried out by the Waterfront Enterprise Board, funded by the States, to a scheme drawn up by BDK Architects. It included a new bridge link from Havre des Pas promenade, new cafeteria, changing facilities and a new arc of terracing overlooking the pool, which reopened in 2000.

• Diving at Havre des Pas Pool
• Havre des Pas: The history of the area

A marksmen had to be summoned from his home after a shark appeared in the pool on 10 July 1951, much to the shock of bathers who quickly cleared the waters. At about one o’clock, Frank Gosselin, an attendant, reported seeing a shark in the water just on the other side of the bridge. He quickly informed Peter Beveridge, the manager of the pool, who stopped any swimmers from entering the water. The shark managed to get through the bridge and make its way into the pool. At this point, word of his appearance had begun to spread and a crowd started to gather. Unsure of how aggressive or dangerous the shark would prove to be, the authorities took the decision to shoot the predator. Mr Bree, a member of the Jersey Rifle Association, was called at his home on the Coast Road in St. Clement. Aiming from the far side of the pool he took one shot, hitting the beast. Moving around to the other side, he took aim once more and killed it with two shots.

Gallery

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  Bicycles by the bridge to the pool

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  A low level view of the pool

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  A water carnival

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  Several generations of island youngsters have learnt to swim in the pool

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This picture was probably taken in 1933

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  The pool in 1912

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  Germans relax at the pool during the Occupation

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  Another Occupation photograph

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  1937

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  1937

The original bridge

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  A man strolls towards the pool having crossed the bridge ...

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  ... or has he? This picture is identical in all respects except the man has been replaced by a woman. Which is the real photograph?

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  ... Our money's on the one with the man. When this picture is enlarged it shows the same marks on the concrete as in the one on the left. They seem to have been wiped out in the middle picture

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  Diving at the Havre des Pas pool

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  The pool diving boards in use

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  The pool terrace

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  On the greasy pole

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  An aerial view in the 1930s

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  A crowded pool and beach in the 1930s

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  A crowded pool and beach in the 1950s

The changing cabins

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  In the 1930s

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  The pool in 1958

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  The pool water slide in the 1930s

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  Another view in the 1950s

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  The diving boards in use

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  A picture from 1961

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  The pool in 1978

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  Havre des Pas Pool in 1906

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  Havre des Pas Pool terrace

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  A diver in action

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  1959

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  1959

Children have always enjoyed the pool

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  Boating in the pool

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  This is now the site of the cafe

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  The pool in 1927

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  2002 Aerial view showing the renovated pool

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  The entrance sign reminds people that this was once the home of the Jersey Swimming Club

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  An unusual view of the pool, taken in 1998, showing the pool without the access bridge

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  The pool has been brought back to its former glory...

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  ...and is well used in the summer

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  As the pool is today

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  Diving from the 45-foot board

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  A pool brochure from 1932

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  A crowded terrace

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  Water polo in the pool

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  Jersey Swimming Club deeds from 1915

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  A tub race at a gala in 1937

This photograph shows what a major attraction the pool was in the 1930s

Deepening the pool below the diving boards - date unknown