Community support swims further than ever as ninety five swimmers ranging from five years to eighty-plus years took part in Sidmouth Rotary's annual swimathon challenge.

Groups swam over 400 metres each to help raise funds for local organisations at this years Rotary Swimathon held at Sidmouth Pool on Saturday October 28.

It was the 17th Swimathon organised by Sidmouth Rotary Club, with this year’s beneficiaries being 1st Sidmouth Guides, Sidmouth Rotary Christmas Appeal and 1st Sid Vale Scouts.

The organisations taking part were St John’s School, All Saint’s Church, Sidmouth Golf Club, Sidmouth Golf club, Sidmouth Golf Club Ladies section, Sidmouth Parish Church, Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club, Sidmouth Running Club, Sidmouth Rotary Club, Sidmouth Christmas Appeal group and Waitrose.

There were seven teams of juniors.

The teams swam a total of 1505 lengths, competing for The Victoria Hotel Challenge Cup based on the average number of lengths swum by each team in 45 minutes.

This year’s winners were The Sidmouth Surf Life Saving Club – “Team Marlin” with an average of 35 lengths per swimmer.

Simon Wood from the Rotary Club said: “It is great to see the community coming together especially the very young and many not so young to help raise funds and supporting these worthy local organisations”.

“The aim of Rotary is to help those needing support throughout the community and having fun doing so.

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

Swimathon is organised and supported by The Rotary Club of Sidmouth with the purpose of giving the Community the opportunity to support local charities whilst having fun at the same time. 
 
Teams swim for 55 minutes in one lane with only one person swimming, usually one length at a time and only for as many lengths as they can manage. Lanes are available between 16-00 and 20-00 and teams can choose their own time. 
  
Each swimmer receives a commemorative certificate, and the Victoria Hotel Challenge Trophy is presented to the team swimming the greatest number of lengths.