Businessman Jim Swanson has paid tribute to the efforts of the volunteers who have kept Kingsteignton Community Swimming Pool open for 27 years.
Mr Swanson, who moved his Ford car dealership from Teignmouth to Kingsteignton, made the statement after performing the opening ceremony for the 2006 season.
He said: 'No pun intended but to keep your head above water for that amount of time is no mean feat. 'I know what it's like for volunteers who have to deal with the constant day to day difficulties and as a business we take the view that we want to support community activities.'
Mr Swanson's firm has advertised in the pool's 2006 brochure, a gesture he thinks went down well and which he hoped would encourage others. 'I was very pleased not to be pushed in during the opening ceremony and I would really urge all businesses to support such projects,' he said.
'What is a relatively small sum for us can make a huge difference to a community group and if we all did it there would be very few problems maintaining them throughout the area.'
The pool committee is still looking for more volunteers; contact chairman Maureen Cole on 01626 211000.