Located on the Strand Road near Babughat in Kolkata, The Calcutta Swimming Club, popularly known as CSC, is the oldest swimming club in India. The club was founded in 1887 under the name Calcutta Swimming Bath, by order of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal. The present building and the Club were founded by Walter Davis, a partner of Hamilton & Company. He was also the first Secretary of the Club. From the very inception and till 1923, the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal was the Head of the Club and Mr. N. Hamilton was elected as its first President. Indians were not allowed for membership of the Club, even after the independence of India. However, this discriminating rule was withdrawn in 1964, when the Maharaja of Cooch Behar was introduced as its first Indian member. In 1976 and PT Basu was elected as the First Indian President of the Club.
As the name suggests, the Club provides Swimming as the Basic Sport. Coaching for Swimming starts from the month of March. The Swimming pools with their placid, clean, transparent and lovely-to-behold water are the star attractions of the metropolis. The open air swimming pool is considered as one of the largest in India. The Pools remain open from morning to late evenings, provide sports, exercise and relaxation par excellence. Besides swimming, facilities for a large and well equipped Billiards Room on the first floor with two tables, Card Room, Table Tennis for the teenagers, Health Parlour, Bar, Banquet Hall, Dining Hall, a discothèque are also available for the members.
The Club has well appointed halls for parties. The Banquet Hall is located on the 1st Floor. It can be booked fully or partially. There is a Poolside Bar for cocktail parties. There is a beautiful lawn for parties and relaxation. The Banquet and Dining Hall are used for parties, conferences, seminar and etc. A large Dining Hall is available with facilities of the dance floor. The club has three well-equipped bars. One can also spend a good time at the Terrace on Rooftops. The Club has lush green lawn designed and maintained at high standards.
The Calcutta Swimming Club provides membership based only on referrals. Application for new membership should be submitted in the prescribed form along with the reference of at least two existing members of the Club. However, the membership applications are accepted for consideration only during a specific period of time in a year, which is intimated by the club officials via the proper medium. Dress codes are strictly followed.
