Watchet Dolphins’ swimming sessions started shortly after the Knights Templar School pool opened 25 years ago.

Unthinkable today, but first through the door were eight nine-year-old non-swimmers. Their parents had helped raise money for the new pool – but as the children had moved on to other schools, they had missed out on learning to swim.

It took a while, but they all managed five metres – and then ten metres and onwards.

Since then, thousands of children have been a part of the Dolphins’ success story.

The emphasis has always been on safety in water, and many simple tests are carried out to help and improve the swimmers chances of survival should they ever find themselves in deep water.

Over the years I have heard from many thankful parents that their child got themselves out wet, but unharmed, from accidental immersion – more importantly, the parent didn’t have to jump in to save them.

All children take part in the annual Swim England survival tests that teaches them the right actions to take should they ever find themselves in trouble in the water. As well as survival awards, the Dolphins carry out many skills, speed and distance awards.

Dolphins teams have taken part in the annual Minehead Swimathon with great success every year since 1995. The fastest Dolphins teams have not yet been beaten in 23 years of taking part, but more importantly all teams have raised £19,000 for charity, of which £15,500 has been returned to help run the Knights Templar Pool.

In 1999, a number of Dolphins were invited to receive a special award for their successes in the annual ASA celebration of swimming in Birmingham. A number of former Dolphins have gone on to achieve county and national standards whilst others have qualified as sports and swimming teachers.

A big thank you to the staff at Knights Templar who have kept the pool operational, clean and tidy for the community over the last 25 years.

Also, thank you to the parents and grandparents who have kept the children coming week in week out, and a special thank you to all the Dolphins’ helpers over the years. Without your help, Watchet Dolphins could not have existed.

Me email is [email protected] for anyone who might like to learn more about swimming lessons with the Dolphins.

It has certainly been great for me to see so many children work so hard over the years for their awards and to know that many will be swimming with their own families for many years to come.

Above all, we all know that swimming is fun.

Jim Butterworth, Grove Road, Blue Anchor