Wild East Devon is helping 15 local residents, aged 55 and over, enjoy the benefits of open water swimming in the sea at Sidmouth, supported by qualified swim coaches and lifeguards.

Following on from last year’s successful Swim to the Sea, the second ‘wave’ will see swimmers taking part in weekly sea swims from the beach in Sidmouth, until November. The project aims to actively engage participants in nature. Alongside developing swimming confidence, increasing activity levels and providing a boost to mental health, the group are able to pick up tips about how to stay safe when swimming in the sea at Sidmouth.

Wild East Devon are very grateful for the support provided by Jurassic Paddle Sports, Active Devon and funding from Connecting Actively to Nature - a project being rolled out across Devon through funding from Sport England. This support has helped to make this project a great success.

Swim to the Sea's second 'wave' is helping local residents enjoy the benefits of open, sea swimming. The 15 are carefully supported by qualified swim coaches and lifeguards.

Wild East Devon are very grateful for the support provided by Jurassic Paddle Sports, Active Devon and funding from Connecting Actively to Nature - a project being rolled out across Devon through funding from Sport England. This support has helped to make this project a great success.

If you are visiting the seafront at Sidmouth, look out for a group of swimmers wearing bright orange swim hats and big smiles!

If you would like to find out more and are interested in taking part future Swim to the Sea projects, please email Meg Vallender

Cynthia Ive, who is in her 70's, said: "The feeling I get from swimming in the sea is a combination of exhilaration and relief!  I'm not a very brave person and have left things that I've always wanted to do until late in life. 

"I'm really looking forward to the rest of the course but also dreading it a little if you know what I mean. Everything is organised so well. Most importantly, I feel safe but also able to comfortably stop, if I think it's too much."