Top turnout for Sidmouth Surf Life Saving Club AGM

8th May 2019

Gilbert Stephens Solicitors were pleased to attend the Annual General Meeting of Sidmouth Surf Life Saving Club on Friday 3rd May.

It was a great evening where all the committee members, children and parents came together at Sidmouth RFC to hear the plan for the year. Gilbert Stephens were thrilled to be introduced as one of the club’s sponsors this year. The firm have contributed towards the club’s training programme for the year and sponsored their new kit, which was launched on the same day as the AGM.

Sidmouth Surf Life Saving Coach, David Manley showed the new kit to the large turnout of club members and supporters during his presentation of the many activities, trainings and qualifications that the club has to offer. Sidmouth Surf plans to continue to increase numbers this year so that they can offer fun and safety training to even more young people in the community.

Sidmouth Surf is affiliated with Surf Life Saving GB, a national non-profit organisation that provides the highest level of training in water and beach safety through a comprehensive training programme for both its coaches and young members.

Members from the ages of 8 to 16 can train with the club, whether they are training for their Nipper Assessments or aiming to qualify as Surf Lifeguards. The aim of the club is to give young people an opportunity to learn safety skills, improve fitness and enjoy fun activities and competitions in a supported, social environment.

Lifesaving education includes beach and sea knowledge, which is vital in our coastal towns, as well as first aid training and lifesaving skills. Beach events are put on regularly and include beach sprints, relays and beach flags games. The activities on the water involve sea swimming, board paddling, rescue skills and even ski paddling. All of these are fun ways for children to learn important skills, with competitive options for those who enjoy the challenge.

Claire Veness tells us, “Achieving formal qualifications such as the surf craft and junior beach lifeguard awards are a great way for members to celebrate the hard work they put in to learning new skills and overcoming challenges.

“We are lucky to live in such an incredible landscape. Encouraging children to get out and enjoy activities, while giving them the knowledge they need to keep themselves and others safe, is a valuable service. The coaches and other volunteers at Sidmouth Surf are a credit to themselves and the community, and it is plain to see how important this club is to its members.

“Gilbert Stephens are extremely proud to support this initiative and are excited to watch the plans unfold over the coming year. Sidmouth Surf have already proved themselves as keen contenders in regional competitions, and their ethos of inclusivity and fun whilst keeping our community safe is to be applauded.”

If you are interested in finding out more about Sidmouth Surf Life Saving Club, or in joining or donating to the club, you can get in touch with them via their website