A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help Dawlish Swimming Club keep afloat – and extend its activities to more people in the local community.

The club needs to make up for the income it lost as a result of Covid-19, but also plans to start offering cut-price sessions for the children of under-privileged families.

It could also open up to adult learners, and hold specialist sessions for people with disabilities.

The swimming club currently accepts children and young people from the age of five to over 18, and encourages all swimmers, whether they want to compete at a high level or just swim to keep fit. It is normally funded by its regular events, but after Covid-19, its finances took a dive.

Chair Dom Kennedy-Bruyneels said: "We usually have a couple of galas throughout the year, which raises a significant amount of money, which we rely on to survive.

"We hold a big meet at Plymouth Life Centre, where we invite swimming clubs from all over the country, and that makes £15,0000 each year.

"We haven't been able to hold that gala this year and we've had four or five months without any income at all – it's been difficult."

A crowdfunding target of £20,000 has been set to get the club's finances back on track.

But at the same time, a new partnership as given the club a boost.

Partnership with school means 'the sky's the limit'

When the swimming club was no longer able to use Dawlish Leisure Centre during the summer, it was forced to hold training sessions in the sea, along with land-based training at sports fields, while searching for alternative facilities.

Mr Kennedy-Bruyneels said: "We found a saviour in Trinity School, and we developed a partnership with them to be our home going forwards.

"We invested in the structure over the pool, which is like a marquee, and keeps it warm enough so that we can train all year round."

He said the partnership with Trinity School has effectively halved the club's pool hire costs, and given almost unlimited pool time – meaning that once the club's finances are back on track, it can extend its activities and offer subsidised swimming lessons.

Mr Kennedy-Bruyneels said: "What we hope to do if we exceed our crowdfunding target is open up swimming to under-privileged families who might not be able to afford for their children to learn to swim, that's one of our ideas, and just to expand our provision so we can cater for more young people in the community.

"In addition we would like to have an adult section, where we could teach adults who might not be able to swim and introduce them to the sport.

"We do have a couple of para swimmers in our mix but we'd like to do more with that, maybe have specialised sessions, the sky's the limit really.

"As a family friendly club we want to cater for anyone in the community, be a real force for swimming, and not be elitist like some other clubs - cater for everybody, that's our motto."

Generous support for crowdfunding campaign

Many local individuals and businesses have come on board to support the club, offering rewards to people who donate to the crowdfunding appeal. There will also be a mystery prize draw.

Among those who are offering rewards are: Scott Richards Solicitors, Jack's Patch Garden Centre, Allens of Kingsbury, iBounce trampoline park, Red Rock Brewery, Dogg Scooters, Dryrobe, Rare Breeds Farm, The Local Scoop, Alder Vineyard, Lewdown, Okehampton, Oceans Fish Bar, The Sweetest Gift, The Brunswick Arms, Gays Creamery, Pride Fitness and Chips Ahoy.

There is aslo a chance to win an ISL cap signed by the Great Britain Olympic medallist Duncan Scott, who recently set a new British and ISL record in the 200m Freestyle.

The club is also offering promotional packages to two businesses who pledge of £500 or more. One will have its name and website featured on all club kit next year, and the other will have its name on the club's medals for the next open meet. Both businesses will receive a full page advert in the open meet programme.

To find out more about the crowdfunding and the rewards on offer, and to make a donation, visitthe Dawlish Swimming Club's Crowdfunder page