ABOUT

In 1907 Tynemouth Amateur Swimming Club applied to the council for permission to use the small salt water reservoir on Hawkeys Lane, North Shields, for bathing and to continue their lessons for local children. Permission was given and the 60 foot square, 5 ft deep with sloping sides reservoir soon became a popular attraction. It was not big enough, and additonal land was secured and a new bath 100 feet long and 40 feet wide was provided, and opened on June 30th 1909.

From the "The Shields Daily News" June 28, 1909 the following description of the new open air bath.

"additional land was secured, and upon this, and the site of the reservoir, a new bath 100ft. long by 40ft. wide has been provided. it is 3ft. deep at the shallow end; at a distance of 30ft. from the shallow end, it is 3ft. 6ins.; and it gradually deepens to 6ft. 6ins. at a distance of 80ft., rising after that to 6ft. The walls and floors of the bath are constructed in cement concrete, and their internal surfaces are covered with watetight bitumastic sheeting. Both walls and floors are then faced with white glazed brickwork set in cement mortar. For climbing out of, and entering the bath, oak ladders are provided, and so that they may present no obstacle to the bathers they have been placed in recesses in the side walls. On the gangway at the deep end there is a diving board and spring board. The bath is supplied with sea water from the large reservoir, the water being filtered before it is passed into the reservoir [bath]. The bath will hold 133,000 gallons, and the capacity of the supply reservoir is 165,000. When full the bath can be emptied in 160 minutes, and when empty, can be filled in about 70 minutes."

"Round the bath are arranged covered stands, providing seating accomodation for 600 spectators. Thus, in the event of the weather being disagreeable when galas are taking place, the spectators will be protected, and will be able to watch the proceedings in comparative comfort. For the accommodation of the bathers, a very fine dressing room, 28 feet by 15 feet, has been provided, and alongside are foot-baths and shower baths, with hot and cold water, and lavatories. There is also a committee room and a store room."

The picture below is a TASC Gala held at Open Air Salt Water Swimming Bath at Hawkeys Lane pool around c1910.