About Our Club
Bantham SLSC was formed by Mr Maitland, the local expert on beach safety, in 1960. He recognised there was an urgent need to reduce the significant number of drownings that were occurring every year on Bantham and Bigbury Beaches. These beautiful beaches attract tens of thousands of families and surfers throughout the spring and summer seasons. However, the beaches are dangerous having strong rip currents and a large tidal range, which can cause tidal cut offs. A small number of local residents and strong swimmers joined at once. Training commenced in 1960 with help from other established Clubs, which included Perranporth in Cornwall, who came to Bantham to demonstrate the use of equipment the Reel and Line and other equipment. Gradually the Bantham Club members became expert in all methods of life saving.
The club has many volunteer lifeguards who patrol at Bantham on the summer Sundays alongside the RNLI. We have a close professional relationship with our local RNLI services. On Sundays, the principal Club day, we conduct training to develop our senior, youth and nipper members, and also have some fun. Whilst the focus of activities during the summer months is on the beach, the club also has Wednesday evening training sessions at Kingsbridge swimming pool. This is to develop members swimming abilities, strength and techniques. Please view our Calendar to see pool availability and starting dates for the summer.
The Club’s operational activities are led by the Club Captain David Payne, whilst the training of the Seniors, Youth and Nippers is managed by other committee members and volunteer parents.
Our Club relies heavily on willing and enthusiastic volunteers. We need parents, club members and members of our local community to come together and help to train and support our members. Support can range from coming down to the Bantham club house and making a cup of tea for our coaches, to even becoming a coach yourself. Please view our Supporters page to found out how you might become involved.