The Sideshore Project
Suitable for: Schools
Over the past four years, we’ve been building something extraordinary in Exmouth: The Sideshore Project.
The Sideshore Project began in 2022 as a community initiative focused on sea safety for local schools in Exmouth.
Over time, it has grown into a powerful community-driven program combining three vital strands: sea swimming & water safety education (delivered by Sea Swim Devon), environmental awareness, and creative arts.
Every year, hundreds of children from across Devon learn life-saving skills, discover the wonders of marine ecosystems, and explore creative ways to protect our planet. These experiences don’t just teach – they inspire confidence, prevent accidental water related fatalities, improve mental health, and create the next generation of ocean advocates.
The Sideshore Project is powered by an incredible network of partners who share our vision for safer seas and a healthier planet.
Charlie’s Beach School brings creativity and sustainability to life through hands-on workshops, while Sea Swim Devon CIC provides expert guidance on open-water safety and confidence. The RNLI supports us with essential lifeguard talks, teaching children how to stay safe on the beach, and Exeter University inspires future marine scientists through interactive environmental sessions.
Together, these passionate collaborators make every experience unforgettable – combining knowledge, creativity, and care to protect both our children and our oceans.
We believe every child should have access to this life-changing program, which is why we offer it free to schools, despite the actual cost. To keep this initiative sustainable and growing, we need your help.
Your Support Creates Impact!
By fundraising, donating, or sponsoring the project, you will:
- Equip children with lifesaving water safety skills.
- Foster mental wellbeing through engagement with blue spaces.
- Empower young people to become environmental champions.
- Inspire creativity and sustainability through hands-on workshops.
Get involved today and help us turn the tide for safer seas and a brighter future.
Together, we can reduce accidental drownings, protect our oceans, and build a healthier, happier future for our community.
Donate Now
The Sea Safety Project is only possible due to the funding and support we receive from local businesses, charities and individuals.
If you would like to make a donation to our project and help to increase OUR IMPACT – please DONATE NOW.
An Unforgettable Experience
The project takes 3 strands of education and pulls them into an unforgettable day-long experience.
Sea Safety – Learn how to swim safely in the sea – understanding tides, currents, weather, self-rescue and risks.
Environmental Education – Learn how to respect the ocean environment and understand the threats from sewage, pollution, plastics and other human activity and become the change makers of tomorrow (co-developed and delivered by Exeter University).
Art Workshop – In this workshop we help children to reflect and build deeper understanding of the ocean through the use of creative art.
Our Impact
Schools
School Communities
Children
Non-swimmers
What Our Participants Say
“Brilliant from start to finish, this day was so well organised. Great communication and everyone had real passion for the whole aims of the day and this was conveyed well to the children. The kids loved it and the adults loved it. One of the best days out in terms of what we got out of it and how much fun it was. Please can we come again”.
Clyst Hydon
“Sideshore Sea Safety Project is an amazing project that our students were privileged to take part in. A fun and educational day.”
Exmouth Community College
“An outstanding day, we absolutely loved it! 10 out of 10! I have never known my group to be so engaged and on task.”
Angela Reed
Bassets Farm
“The children experienced three very different but equally important activities. The sea swimming session was fun but also VERY important for the children living in this local area. The staff have been incredible - this is just what Exmouth schools need!”
Angela Batten
Brixington
“Amazing team, encouraging, supportive of the children and excellent supervision and ratios throughout.” “One of the best school trips EVER” - a non-swimmer “I liked the environmental session - the mussel expert was best”
A child
Drakes C of E Primary School
Expertise in Open Water Training
Sea Swim Devon CIC Coaches are Swim England SEQ L2 Open Water Coaches and hold Surf/ Beach Lifeguard qualifications. We are licensed by East Devon Events to operate our training on Maer Rocks Bay, Exmouth Beach.
