SEA swimmers of a certain vintage are being sought to take a dozen dips off Devon.

The county’s Age UK group is diving in to offer those aged 55 and over the joys of open-water swimming in the sea with the support of qualified trainers and lifeguards.

Pioneering punters were invited to limber up for the launch of the South West’s first-ever fitness festival – known as The Swim to the Sea project – that started on June 6. It will paddle along for 12 health-improving weeks.

Sessions started with swimming at the Teignmouth Lido, a heated outdoor pool at Eastcliff.

The group will be able to enjoy a social swim and improve their skills and water confidence under the guidance of Pete Wilby, a qualified swimming and open-water swimming coach and a triathlon instructor.

Swimmers will have the opportunity to try open-water swimming skills and techniques before their sea swims. Preparations include help getting into and out of wetsuits, which will be made available to participants.

Organisers say there will be plenty of help and support on hand from other local sea swimmers and members of the Teignmouth Surf Lifesaving Club.

Each session climaxes with a warming cuppa and slice of cake.

Trish Warren, Active in Later Life manager for Age UK Devon said: ‘The Swim to the Sea project provides a brilliant opportunity to encourage people try out a new activity and increase their level of fitness by embracing the natural environment through sea swimming.’

She enthused: ‘I am passionate about raising awareness of the benefits that sea swimming has on people’s health and mental well-being – and the best thing is that it is fun and exhilarating!’

And she promised: ‘We aim to prove that no matter what your age is, swimming in the sea is enjoyable and accessible.’

She added: ‘The only requirement to take part is that you are able to swim for a minimum of 20 metres. I would encourage people to book their place as soon as possible as there are a limited number of places available.’

Pete Wilby, who will be running the sessions, chipped in: ‘I am really excited to be teaming up with Age UK Devon and looking forward to delivering a great programme of pool and sea-based swimming with the Swim to the Sea project.’

Age UK Devon is being supported by Teignbridge Council, members of Teignmouth Surf Lifesaving Club and Active Devon through the Connecting Actively to Nature project, which is being rolled out across Devon through funding from Sport England, to encourage people aged 55 and over to become more active in a natural environment.

The weekly sessions began running on June 6 and will run every Thursday from 10.30am until midday. The cost per session is £4, including wetsuit hire.

* To learn more and to book, contact Age UK Devon on 0333 241 2340 or email [email protected]. The website is www.ageukdevon.co.uk