A History of Dawlish Swimming Club

It is believed that Dawlish Swimming Club was founded in 1865 and is probably the second oldest club in Devon after Port of Plymouth (1862). Originally the club had strong associations with water polo with all training and matches being played in the sea!

The most famous Dawlish swimmer of all was Frederick Holman who, at the age of 25, became the Olympic Champion for the 200 meters breaststroke held in London in 1908. His time of 3.09.20 was a new Olympic record. Sadly he died in 1913 at the age of 29, after contracting typhoid from the swimming baths in Exeter.

In 1974 an indoor pool opened in Dawlish which boasted a 25m, five lane pool. The outer walls were originally constructed of thick plastic sheets with a glass roof which could be opened or closed according to the weather conditions. In 1981 the pool was refurbished and again in 1994 when a sports hall was added to the site and became Dawlish Leisure Centre.

During the 1980’s the club trained on one evening a week, and an additional evening on alternate weeks during the summer, but this was increased to 3 sessions a week by the late 1990’s. On average 10 swimmers entered the Devon Championships each year, and 2 or 3 would gain District (Regional) qualifying times. One also achieved a National time. There were Devon Relay events for the younger age groups, and Dawlish frequently finished in the top 6. Pool time was always an issue, and previously the better swimmers had to join Exeter to have the opportunity to train more.

But Dawlish is now able to offer early morning training to those of suitable standard and the top squads have the opportunity to train six times per week. We now have high numbers attaining county and regional times and aren’t reliant on support from other clubs.

The local mini-league was set up in 1977. The teams competing in the participants are Dawlish, Exeter City, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Sid Vale and Torquay. Dawlish won this trophy for the first time in 2000 and several times since.

In 2000 Dawlish joined the Speedo league (now Arena League) and have enjoyed considerable success each year in Divisions 1 and 2.

The format of the club championships have changed over the years. In the 1980’s there was just one distance in each stroke for combined age groups and an open 4x25m Individual Medley. The heats were held on one evening and the finals the following week. Now there is a full gala of events for all ages in all strokes and distances. It is licensed and held in the summer each year.

The club depends on a strong team of volunteers under good leadership, and in 2004 was one of the first clubs in the county to receive ‘Swim21’ accreditation. This is the ASA’s development programme to act as a tool for clubs to help swimmers, coaches and administrators achieve their full potential. We are proud to continue to hold that accreditation (now known as Swim Mark).