The last pool session at King's College is on Friday 17th July* therefore the open water sea swimming sessions will start on Friday 24th July for six weeks. *Date amended

Last year these sessions proved popular and a lot of members ended the summer feeling far more confident about open water sea swimming. Quite a few members have already enjoyed the Sunday afternoon swims this year but for anyone who has not visited Lyme Regis before, the beach and rock armour extension to the Cobb Wall provides a very safe and clean environment for swimming and a sandy beach which is great for the kids. The main swim area is marked by a line of yellow buoys of approximately 600 metres in length, ideal for sighting or distance markers. There is also an inner line of roped orange buoys which is basically just a designated safety area for inflatable dinghies etc, but again these can be used for sighting. Sea conditions in the summer can vary from mirror flat calm to choppy and sometimes moderately rough - great swimming experience in a variety of conditions.

There is plenty of parking available in Holmbush Car Park at the top of Cobb Road (cost £1 all day!) and you can walk down through the gardens passed the Crazy Golf above Marine Parade. Alternatively drive down Cobb Road towards the harbour, passed the slipway and lifeboat station to Monmouth Beach car park. (£2 for 2 hours). The session is of course FREE - all welcome.

Meet on the sandy beach below Marine Parade the from 6.30 - 6-45pm to be in the water by 7pm prompt.

When coming from Taunton, it's probably a good idea to avoid coming via Ilminster/Chard as Fridays in the summer on that road could be busy. Instead head up over Corfe or Blagdon Hill onto the B3170, turn right onto A303 then left onto Stockland straight heading for Axminster and Lyme Regis. Distance is 27 miles.

For those wanting to eat afterwards there's a good selection of takeaways close to the beach or 3 pubs within 200 metres which serve good food. Alternatively bring your own BBQ.

The RNLI Open water Swimming Race (Adults & children) is on Tuesday 21st July at 1800 (weather permitting). Distance is about 500 metres from Town Beach to the North Wall of the harbour.  £1 entry on the day and proceeds obviously to the RNLI.