Exeter Swim school make a splash for Exmouth RNLI

Splash Swim school hosted a gala style mini-Olympics on 19 October, raising £145 for Exmouth RNLI. Splash Swim school teachers and parents volunteered their time to host a competitive event at Middlemoor giving children from as young as four, the opportunity to compete in swimming races.

26 children attended and all received a medal for entry, competing in the main strokes: front crawl; back crawl; butterfly and breaststroke. Depending on their age and ability, the competitors raced half lengths, full lengths, two lengths and took part in a fun woggle race. Points were earned for first, second and third places and the swimmer with the most points in each age category won a plaque, with the top three swimmers receiving certificates.

100% of the profit raised will go to RNLI Exmouth to support the work they do in saving lives at sea. Zara Trickett, the Director of Splash Swim School, said:

‘We teach children to swim so they can be as safe as possible around water and therefore, are proud to support the RNLI who are dedicated to saving lives. Splash Swim School would like to thank Middlemoor for their fantastic support and all the volunteers and competitors for supporting this charity event.’

Splash Swim School incorporate water safety skills into their lessons and this term their Friday Fitness and Fun session focuses solely on Rookie Lifeguard training. This is taught by Tom who recently lifeguarded for the London 2012 Olympics.

Staff, children and their parents were invited to present their cheque during a visit to Exmouth RNLI on 1 November. Volunteer Lifeboat Visits Officer, Caz Ashman showed the guests around the boathouse, including both the all-weather lifeboat, Margaret Jean and inshore lifeboat, George Bearman. They learned that all their fundraising would contribute towards the new launch and recovery transport for the new Shannon-class lifeboat, due at the end of 2013.