"Most people think I'm a little bit mad," admits Robin Buchanan, who, at the age of 72, has set himself a challenge to swim in the sea at least once a week until the end of April.

Robin is chair of the trustees of Assist Teignbridge, the Dawlish-based community support charity, and he's braving the chilly water off Coryton Cove to raise money for its work.

He's also an active member of Dawlish Water Rotary, who are supporting his fundraising.

Since the end of August, he's been swimming in the sea two or three times a week, and in November he committed himself to doing it at least once a week for the next six months. He's currently managing about two swims a week.

He told Dawlish Nub News: "In August and September it wasn't too difficult, but it's a bit of a challenge at the moment.

"I've never really been a sea swimmer because I've always found it a bit cold.

"But I heard a story about a seal that popped up about 6 feet away from someone swimming, in August I think, and that spurred me on - I thought that would be quite good if I see a seal there when I'm doing it.

"Since then I've seen them off the coast, but they've not been in the water when I've been in it."

Cold water swimming 'good for the health'

Robin has also been encouraged by reports of the health benefits of cold water swimming.

"There's quite a bit in the media about it, it's meant to have all sorts of health benefits such as staving off Alzheimers, and it stimulates the blood flow, and the effect of the cold water on your system is meant to be beneficial," he said.

But he acknowledges that at times, it can be a little too stimulating.

"When I swam last Sunday morning it was quite rough. If the waves are too high they'll bowl you over as you come out, and it's not very comfortable being flushed along the sand and pebbles on the beach."

Nevertheless, he's determined to complete the challenge, and the Rotary Club will record the total number of swims and raise money through a sweepstake based around the final total.

To donate to Robin's fundraising, visit