About Our Club
Bantham SLSC was formed by Mr Maitland Tribe, 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 experts in all methods of life saving.
Over the years the club has provided many volunteer lifeguards who patrolled initially weekends at Bantham in the summer and lately Sundays. Our volunteers have worked closely with the RNLI who now patrol 7 days a week with the support of the Club.
On Spring and Summer Sundays, the principal Club day, and Thursday evenings, we conduct training to develop our senior, youth and nipper members, and also have some fun. In the winter months the club also has Wednesday evening training sessions at Kingsbridge swimming pool. This is to develop members swimming abilities, strength and techniques.
The Club’s operational activities are led by the Club Captain Richard Thomson who oversees the training Seniors, Youth and Nippers and it supported 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.