Exmouth Tri-Hards Welcome Police Funding Boost for Open Water Training

A sporty Exmouth group who promote wellbeing, community spirit and keeping active has received money from Devon & Cornwall Police to fund open water swimming courses. 

The Tri-Hards have been given £1,275 to fund the training and the money has been dished out as a result of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). The group was established in 2017 and now has more than 400 members from all walks of life. They enjoy swimming, cycling and running and welcome people of all abilities and fitness levels.  

POCA funding enables police forces to make good use of cash or assets seized from criminals. The funds are diverted to good causes in local communities across Devon & Cornwall.

The money will be used to train three people to become open water coaches who can help others with water safety in coastal Exmouth.  

A Tri-Hards spokesperson said: “The directors and committee of Tri-Hards would like to thank Devon & Cornwall Police for the funding for three open water swimming leader courses. These courses will allow our swimming leaders to increase the capacity of our sea swimming activities, helping more than 400 members to be more active, stay safe in the sea, and increase their wellbeing.”

Superintendent Tom Holmes, who chaired the latest POCA funding panel for North, East & West Devon police area, added: “Devon & Cornwall Police work with partner agencies such as colleagues at the RNLI and HM Coastguard to promote water safety and try to prevent tragedies at the coast. The funding panel decided this was a very worthy cause and we feel the money will be well spent on providing courses for open water swimming and raising awareness of the potential risks.”    

If you want more information about Tri-Hards and are interested in joining the group please visit Tri-Hards | Community fitness and well-being in Exmouth, Devon