Coldingham Brave Bayers - Wild Swimming for everyone
Founded in October 2019 as a social swimming group, Coldingham Brave Bayers (CBB) has grown into a registered Community Interest Company serving the Berwickshire coastal region.
The organisation operates primarily in Coldingham Bay, offering structured swimming programmes and safety training to a diverse membership base. CBB currently maintains a core membership of 60 individuals, with monthly participation reaching approximately 150 people. Its social media presence includes 700 active Facebook followers, and its membership spans an age range from 18 to 78 years. The geographic reach extends from 25 members in the immediate Fund area to wider participation throughout Berwickshire.
Challenges and Opportunities
The organisation emerged in response to community consultation and several identified community needs. There were limited adult learning opportunities in outdoor water activities, and a growing interest in wild swimming was not matched by adequate safety support. This need was particularly pressing given the high drowning statistics in Scotland, with 45 deaths recorded in 2022. Furthermore, Coldingham lacked any structured wild swimming organisations before CBB's establishment.
Their community engagement strategy encompassed daily early morning swims, three weekly afternoon/evening sessions, and regular Sunday group swims. These core activities are supplemented by special events, outings, educational workshops, and training sessions. The organisation has also established strategic partnerships with St Abb's Independent Lifeboat, Berwickshire Marine, local environmental groups, and various community organisations.
Operationally, CBB faced several challenges. The organisation was relying on a single qualified swim coach to manage increasing demand, creating a pressing need for additional certified instructors. As a volunteer-led organisation, it understands that it must carefully manage resource constraints while developing a sustainable funding model to support its activities.
Strategic Response
Following consultation, CBB implemented a comprehensive training programme to rise to its community needs. This included two directors pursuing STA Level 2 qualifications in Open Water Swimming Coaching, with additional certification in Open Water Safety. The organisation also planned to participate in the RLSS National Water Safety Management Programme, demonstrating its commitment to professional development.
Seeking Funding
Having identified the training and development required to grow their capacity, CBB approached the Drone Hill Wind Farm Community Fund to apply for funding to support the training requirements. The Drone Hill Panel considered the application and felt it was very supportive of the project and its concept, as it would have considerable impact on water safety within the area.
The Panel agreed to award not only the requested amount, but the total project costs which the group had originally intended to self-fund. The Panel expressed that..
...the group delivered a lot of good and positive services within the area, without being asked and we wish them every success with the project.
Impact and Outcomes
The social impact of CBB's work is evident in enhanced community cohesion through regular group activities. Participants report improved mental and physical wellbeing, reduced social isolation, and the development of strong support networks and social bonds. In terms of safety outcomes, the organisation has contributed to increased water safety awareness, prevention of water-related incidents, enhanced emergency response capabilities, and improved community resilience.
The economic impact extends beyond the immediate membership. CBB's activities have increased footfall to Coldingham village, supporting local businesses. The organisation has created volunteering opportunities and holds potential for future employment opportunities as it grows.
During the application stage, CBB said:
These qualifications will equip the participants and organisations with essential skills and knowledge to ensure the safety of wild swimmers, prevent drownings and accidents, and develop safety programs within the community.
Future Development
CBB's three-year strategy focuses on implementing a fee-based workshop structure, with profits being reinvested into community programmes. The organisation plans to expand its course offerings and develop volunteer capacity. Its programme expansion includes comprehensive courses in sea safety, open water confidence, winter season swimming, and marine environmental awareness.
Key Success Factors
CBB success can be attributed to several key factors. Its community-centric approach emphasises regular consultation and responsive programme development, supported by an inclusive participation model and strong local partnerships. Professional standards are maintained through a commitment to certification and training, regular safety protocol updates, and structured programme delivery with quality assurance measures. This sustainable growth model balances volunteer and professional structures, planned revenue generation, strategic reinvestment, and clear development pathways.
Lessons Learned and Recommendations
Experience has highlighted the importance of formal structure in managing growth, the value of professional certification in building community trust, the necessity of sustainable funding models for long-term viability, and the benefit of strong local partnerships in programme delivery. For similar initiatives, the key recommendations include beginning with strong community engagement and needs assessment, investing early in professional development and certification, establishing clear safety protocols and training programmes, developing sustainable funding mechanisms, building strong local partnerships, and maintaining focus on community benefit while planning growth.
Conclusion
The Coldingham Brave Bayers demonstrate how community-led initiatives can successfully evolve into structured organisations delivering significant social impact. CBB’s focus on safety, community engagement, and sustainable growth provides a viable model for similar organisations across Scotland and beyond. The organisation's success in addressing both social and safety needs while planning for sustainable growth offers valuable insights for other community-based water safety initiatives.