One hundred and fifty swimmers from 20 teams took part in this year’s Community Swimathon on Saturday, October 29. 

It was the 16th Swimathon organised by Sidmouth Rotary Club, with this year’s beneficiaries being Sidmouth Primary School PTA, Sidmouth Voluntary Services and Gateway.  

The organisations taking part were Sidmouth Primary School, St John’s School, All Saint’s Church, Sidmouth Golf Club, Sidmouth Voluntary Services, Gateway, Sidmouth Parish Church, Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club, Sidmouth Running Club, Sidmouth Rotary Club, Sidmouth Lifeboat, The Sidders Sticklebacks and Waitrose. There were eight teams of juniors.

The teams swam a total of 2,218 lengths, competing for The Victoria Hotel Challenge Cup based on the average number of lengths swum by each team in 50 minutes.  

This year’s winners were The Sidders Sticklebacks with an average of 29.8 lengths per swimmer.  

John Prescott from the Rotary Club said: “It is very encouraging to see our young swimmers taking an active part to raise funds for these local organisations.” 

“The aim of Rotary is to be actively involved in the community and to provide the means and help to enable this type of event. It’s all about service and having fun.”  

The total sum raised, together with any Gift Aid, will be announced and distributed in the near future.