Havre de Pas swimming pool was constructed in the 1890s by The Jersey Swimming Club and officially opened on 22nd of May 1895. Havre de Pas had always been a popular place to swim even before the swimming pool was built. The swimming pool was built by the Jersey Swimming Club which was formed in 1865 in response to the drowning of two young boys at Havre de Pas and has since then has helped save lives and developed swimming as a sport in Jersey.
Havre de Pas is the easterly facing part of the St Helier coastline and was historically used for ship building as it was sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds. There is a memorial to Jersey maritime heritage on the promenade where Francis Allix had a ship building yard from 1842-1879 which names the ships built at this yard.
Havre de Pas was later developed as a Victorian seaside resort and during this period was visited by many historically significant and famous people including Victor Hugo, the composer Delius and Lawrence of Arabia.
St Helier’s population grew during the Victorian era and St Helier expanded towards Havre de Pas, many fine examples of Victorian architecture can still be seen from the beach.
The increased use of heated swimming pools in the 1960’s led to a decline in the number of people using the pool. As fashions and ideas changed the value of Havre de Pas as a natural bathing facility was realised. A renovation started in 1994 which has restored its popularity with locals and visitors alike.
At the swimming pool you will find all the facilities you need for a day by the beach. Havre de Pas is in many ways the best of both world as you have fresh clean sea water which is replaced every day by the tide without the inconvenience of it disappearing towards the horizon twice a day.
A favorite place to take teenagers Havre de Pas is a place where you can sunbathe comfortably on the terrace close to toilets and a cafe whilst whilst the children explore the pool and sea life. Havre De Pas swimming pool has a lifeguards throughout the summer season.
The swimming pool really dominates the beach at Havre de Pas which is considered to be a wetland of global importance and was designated as such in 2000. The RAMSAR site which it sits in stretches from La Collette to Gorey which is nearly all the way along the eastern coast of Jersey.
It is not a place for romantic couples like Portelet Bay or good for sports like St Ouen’s Bay. If you are looking for a place where you can easily take a group of children and still have a relaxing day consider Havre de Pas.
Parking: No parking next to the pool the nearest public parking is green street car park
Access: Easy walk over the bridge
Bus service:
Refreshments: Excellent Cafe
Deck Chair Hire: Yes
Water sports: Swimming only
Toilets: Yes
Disabled Toilets: Yes
Lifeguards: Yes