LOCAL businesses have stepped in with funding to secure Dawlish Warren Life Saving Club’s uncertain future.

Over the Covid-19 pandemic, Dawlish Warren Life Saving Club saw much of its funding dry up as holidaymakers and local businesses closed throughout the many lockdowns. However, once restrictions were lifted, the requirement for lifeguard services became increasingly important, as more and more Brits choose to holiday within the UK. In order to keep the service alive, Dawlish Warren Life Saving Club posted a plea on Facebook for additional financial help earlier this year.

In the face of this uncertain future but local need, Lady’s Mile Holiday Park and Oakcliff Holiday park owner Jason Jeffery reached out to the club and offered to help to secure the club’s future with a rolling two-year funding agreement.

Jason Jeffery, owner of both Lady’s Mile Holiday Park and Oakcliff Holiday park, said: ‘We appreciate all the hard work the committee and the members do to keep the beach safe for our guests and local residents over the summer. We are proud to sponsor the club who are keeping our community safe.’

Club Chairman Gareth Jones, said: ‘Our club is thrilled with our new sponsors, their community values reflect our own and have enabled us to invest in vital lifesaving equipment to help train new lifeguards and save lives on our beautiful beach and the local area.’

For over 55 years, Dawlish Warren Lifesaving Club has been training beach lifeguards and first aiders, from ages seven and onwards. During the summer season and busy bank holidays, they provide a voluntary lifeguarding service both independently and alongside the RNLI.

They are also crucial in giving lifeguard cover for the many open water swimming events, triathlons and even music festivals all over the country.

The club also competes in Surf Life Saving competitions all over the world. The club has all necessary facilities at the Warren in their traditional beach hut, including first aid equipment, training aids, paddle boards, skis, hot showers and their most prized possession, an Arancia Inshore Rescue Boat.

They stated: ‘Our club is here today due to the hard work of its members, we are not ‘a train and go home’ club. The social involvement of our members is essential, we form a chatty, friendly group that will make you feel right at home. Our members are asked to help with fundraising, demonstrations, beach patrol hours, and club maintenance.’