Welcome to
Accessible Swimming
We are a user led membership charity offering swimming opportunities for people with a disability of any age, people aged 50 and over and also their family who live in Scarborough, Whitby, Filey or the surrounding district.
A Message From Our Chairman:
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Scarborough Disabled Swimming Group. As a long‑standing, user‑led charity, SDSG has always been shaped by the people who swim with us, volunteer with us, and support our mission. It’s a privilege to serve as Chair and to help guide a group with such a strong sense of community, inclusion, and mutual support.
Our purpose is simple: to make swimming accessible, enjoyable, and confidence‑building for disabled people of all ages and abilities.
Every fortnight, I see the difference that a welcoming environment, dedicated volunteers, and adapted opportunities can make — whether it’s someone gaining independence in the water, a family finding a supportive space, or a swimmer discovering a new sense of achievement.
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We are proud of our history, but we are equally committed to the future. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on removing barriers, strengthening our volunteer team, and ensuring that everyone who joins us feels valued, supported, and encouraged.
If you’re thinking about getting involved — as a swimmer, family member, volunteer, or partner — I hope you’ll feel the warmth and purpose that define SDSG. You are very welcome here.
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Richard
Chair of Trustees​
Objective:
“To provide or assist in the provision of facilities and events for recreation, rehabilitation, sport and leisure time occupation, (in particular but not exclusively by the provision of facilities and opportunities for swimming,) for people with disabilities* and their families, in the interest of social welfare with the object of improving their condition”
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Partnerships:
We work with many local businesses, groups and charities to improve and develop accessibility and health improvement provision for people with a disability in the Borough of Scarborough.
Similarly, we receive new member referrals from Social Services (Disabled Children Service and Adult Services), Occupational Health, our local Home Improvement Agency (White Rose), NHS Specialist Nurses, GP Practices, NYCC Wellbeing Service and our local Youth Services to mention a few. It is amazing what can be achieved through working together!
Please contact us to find out more.
Main Fortnightly Swim sessions:
Since 1974 SDSG has been providing fortnightly accessible swimming sessions and we have grown to be one of the largest disabled swimming groups in the country.
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We are a user led charity and our sessions at Scarborough Sports Village are open to anyone aged 50 and over and anyone of any age with a disability, along with their family.
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We operate a flat rate entry fee for our swim sessions and do not charge extra for partaking in Aqua-fit, NASCH Distance Badge or Water-Skills Award Scheme etc, to ensure people are not put off partaking in these activities. Subject to funding, we also offer extension activities during the week, from time to time.
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Our volunteers and staff are trained in various techniques of aquatic therapy, as well as expertise in working with members with anxiety, physical, sensory, communication or behaviour challenges. We also have specialist equipment and toys to make your time with us extra special.
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In partnership with parents and care givers we provide adaptive swim activities that use techniques that place emphasis on swimming skills modified or adapted to accommodate individual abilities, needs, and goals, regardless of age or disability/medical condition.
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Charity Excellence Quality Mark:
We are pleased to have been awarded the Charity Excellence Quality Mark.
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The assurance assessment covered: promoting good governance, effective strategy, leading and managing people well, effective delivery of operations, efficient use of finance and resources, maximising income generation and effective communications.
The system also assessed key crisis health check indicators, including maximising impact, short-term resilience, longer-term sustainability, how good we are at getting funding to front line activities, legal & compliance and how well everyone is kept safe from harm.
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