A group that helps the over 50s learn to sea swim is launching a new wave of lessons next month and is urging potential participants that ‘yes, you can!’.

Small charity, Aspire to Sea Swim, offers an eight-week course from the main beach in Teignmouth on Thursday mornings.

The charity is keen to prove that age and ability should not be a barrier to embracing the benefits of sea swimming. The oldest participant so far was 88 years old.

Sessions cover basic skills and water safety, improving stroke technique and tips and tricks for putting on a wetsuit.

Aspiring sea swimmers are taught by qualified and experienced open water swimming and triathlon coach Pete Wilby and a team of trained volunteers, many of whom started their sea swimming journey as participants in the course.

After the sessions, participants and volunteers get together for hot drinks and home-made cake to chat and swap stories about their endeavours.

‘There has been so much personal success for those who have attended the courses in the past, from learning to safely swim in the sea to the health benefits derived from sea swimming, and the social aspects of making new friends and having a laugh at the sessions,’ said Aspire to Sea Swim founder and chair Trish (the Fish) Warren.

‘When one of our volunteers joined the first course, she was a nervous swimmer who had a fear of putting her face in the water. She is now a triathlete and enjoy sea swim adventures,’ Trish added.

As well as sharing the joy and benefits of sea swimming, the charity also organises litter picks and arranges lifeguard talks.

Some volunteers and participants of previous courses will be taking part in a Sea Swimathon arranged by Pete Wilby Triathlon on Teignmouth beach on Saturday August 9.

The next Aspire to Sea Swim course starts on Thursday August 7. To find out more about the charity and the swimathon, visit www.aspiretoseaswim.org