'Lifeline' swimming group celebrating 50 years

A group founded to make swimming accessible is planning a celebration to commemorate its golden anniversary.

Keynsham Seals Disabled Swimming Club was set up to make sure adults and children with disabilities and neurodivergence can learn to swim in a comfortable and welcoming enviroment.

First opened in 1976, the group has since grown having access to hoists meaning attendants can swim safely.

Club chairperson Rachel Parker said it became a big part of her daughter's life after the Covid-19 pandemic. Parker said: "It was a really difficult time. We'd already been to Seals for a year or two, and it was just a lifeline to come back every Sunday."

Princess Diana attended a session as part of her work with the British Red Cross, which initially ran the club, in December 1984.

In the club's early days it had to use first aid rooms with tanning beds in as changing facilities.

Parker took over in 2025, a time when the group was at risk of closure, but thanks to fundraising efforts it was able to stay afloat.

Parker said the group check up on each other and make sure new members feel welcome and supported. "We really work together as a community, and a lot of us special need parents absolutely get it," Parker said.

Emma Anstey, who has Down's syndrome, attends the group with her mum Julie, who said: "Seals has been a source not only of exercise but friendship, laughter and support and I hope continues to do that into the future."

Francesca's son Freddie, who attends a specialist SEND school, has been attending Seals for about a year. She said the group is somewhere he can feel comfortable and free to be himself.

She said: "It's made not only a positive difference to my son's swimming ability but benefitted us as a family both socially and physically.

"Keynsham Seals has allowed us to make connections with other families and have found everyone who attends to be so understanding, accepting and welcoming," she added.

The mark the anniversary the club is holding a birthday celebration at Keynsham Leisure Centre on Sunday with a swim session from 11:30 BST for one hour.

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