Dressed for Drowning

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

Dressed for Drowning


A well-made and light-hearted instructional film which demonstrates how your own clothes can save you from drowning

This amusing film, directed by John Purvis Howard, begins with a City Gent, complete with umbrella and bowler hat, standing by a pool. One by one his clothes disappear until he's left only wearing his shirt. Now in the pool, the man ties knots in his trousers and inflates them to create a buoyancy aid. A boy does the same with his shirt as does a woman with her skirt, blouse and, confusingly, her swimming costume. The film ends with shots of Brooklands Boating Lake in Lancing.


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