Barnstaple Swimming Club

The Club was set up in 1932 with one of its founder members Peter Hill  (Club Patron) still showing an avid interest in the Club’s activities. Over the last 88 years, hundreds of local children have been taught to swim and the Club has gone from strength to strength throughout the decades.

The Club originated in the Rock Park Outdoor Baths and quickly gathered momentum with a membership at one time of almost 500. The members enjoyed all aspects of the sport from learning to swim, progression into Competition, Water polo, Lifesaving and Diving. Gala evenings in Rock Park were always a highlight in the Club’s calendar whereby competitors and supporters all had fun particularly in competing in or watching the crazy diving. The Club continues to hold its Club Championship Galas whereby all swimmers from the Improver groups upwards are encouraged to participate and to gain experience in competition. The Club has a splendid array of cups and trophies which are presented at the annual Prizegiving/Disco to those swimmers who achieve successes in the championships.

Unfortunately, the Outdoor baths were closed - an era ended and the Club moved to the Leisure Centre in 1974 whereby we had access to all year round pool time. There were obviously many adjustments to be made and over time the Club has seen many changes but has always met its aims and objectives which are to teach swimming and related activities. The Club, from day one to the present day, relies on dedicated volunteers (many of whom are qualified teachers) who work tirelessly week after week to encourage each member to reach his/her potential in a chosen activity – Swimming or Water polo.  Currently, there are approximately 200 members who participate in the water each week. Over the years the Club had a very successful Diving Section but unfortunately, we were forced to stop the diving sessions when the ceiling in the pool area was lowered.  In 2001 at the request of parents/swimmers, the Committee appointed a part-time professional Head Coach to oversee the swimming sessions throughout the Club, to lead the team of voluntary coaches/teachers, and to introduce a structure which would enhance performances and take the club forward competitively. We are dedicated to and renowned for providing sessions and competition for all ages and abilities.

Thursday is our main Club evening whereby we hire the whole pool with the coaches/teachers/swimmers in each session all working together with enthusiasm creating a real  “buzz”  and “feel good “ atmosphere.  

We are the largest Swimming Club in North Devon and a feeder club to larger Clubs in Devon. We have achieved Swim Mark status and members of Swim England Association.  All coaches/teachers follow this programme under the guidance of the Club’s Head Coach.