Last Saturday saw Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club’s last training session of 2018. A great turnout of members enjoyed a fun session to finish a long, hot and successful season.

Sidmouth Herald: The Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club members. Picture SIMON HORNThe Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club members. Picture SIMON HORN (Image: Simon Horn)

2018 has seen club numbers exceed 100 and all members working towards and achieving life saving awards.

On a competition front, Youth and Nipper teams came third at the Devon championships, meaning Sidmouth was the best performing south coast club and beat a number of long-established north coast clubs.

At the British Championships, the Youth team came 10th (up from 13th in 2017) out of nearly 30 teams from across Britain.

This made it the best performing South Coast Club and Sidmouth triumphed over long established north coast teams such as Newquay, Perranporth and even the hosts Hollywell Bay.

Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club is now recognised as a centre of good practice for lifesaving and has developed athletes that are amongst the elite surf lifesavers in the country.

The club’s chairman and head coach, Dave Manley says: “Another year, another level for the club.

“Not only have we increased numbers, we have trained more instructors and provided more opportunities for our members to gain lifesaving qualifications.

“Our competitive squad has worked hard and this has resulted in improved results and our athletes representing county and country.

“In July, the club has brought the largest multi-sport ocean sports event to the town with the Longest Day Ocean Challenge and we hope that this weekend’s Great Sea Swim (starting at 11am on Sunday) will bring even more visitors to the town.

“I would like to thank all our coaches, committee, young lifeguards and parent helpers who have made club sessions and events run smoothly and efficiently this summer.”