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 alongside a wide range of local partners — including health and social care teams, voluntary and community organisations, schools, NHS services, businesses and charities — to improve and expand accessibility and health‑enhancement opportunities for people with disabilities across the Borough of Scarborough.
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We also receive new member referrals from a variety of professional services such as Social Services (Disabled Children’s Service and Adult Services), Occupational Therapy, NHS teams and specialist nurses, GP practices, the local Home Improvement Agency (White Rose), the NYC Wellbeing Service, local schools, youth services and many voluntary sector partners. It is incredible what can be achieved when our community works together!
If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch.
Main Fortnightly Swim sessions:
Since 1974, SDSG has provided accessible, fortnightly swimming sessions alongside a variety of social and fitness opportunities. Over the years, we have grown to become one of the largest disability swimming groups in the country.
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As a user‑led charity, we welcome anyone with a disability of any age, as well as anyone aged 50 and over, to join our sessions at Scarborough Sports Village. Family members are also encouraged to attend and take part.
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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 development, 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 caregivers, we provide adaptive swimming activities that focus on techniques tailored to each individual’s abilities, needs, and goals—regardless of age, disability, or medical condition. We also offer complementary non‑aquatic conditioning and enrichment fitness opportunities.
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Enrichment and Conditioning Opportunities
At Scarborough Disabled Swimming Group (SDSG), our charitable objectives extend far beyond swimming alone. We are committed to creating inclusive fitness, health and wellbeing opportunities that help people become more active in ways that suit their individual needs, abilities and interests.
In line with the values of Swim England, the Swimming Teachers’ Association, and Special Olympics GB’s commitment to improving “fitness, health and wellbeing for all”, we champion a holistic approach that encourages movement both in and out of the pool.
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Swimming provides an excellent foundation for physical activity, but long‑term progress requires broader conditioning that supports strength, mobility, balance and cardiovascular health. This whole‑body approach reflects current industry standards and contributes directly to wider NHS and social care aims around improving physical activity levels, preventing deconditioning, reducing health inequalities and supporting independence.
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To complement our swimming offer, SDSG provides a growing range of enrichment and conditioning opportunities, including:
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Supported gym sessions
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Circuit classes
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Good Boost sessions delivered via therapeutic aquatic exercise programmes
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Chair‑based exercise for gentle strength and mobility
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Wellbeing walks that encourage social connection and movement in the community
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These activities help swimmers and non-swimmers alike develop confidence, improve fitness, and build healthy habits in a safe, encouraging and adaptive environment.
By offering a blend of aquatic and land‑based conditioning, SDSG ensures that everyone has the chance to enjoy meaningful, progressive activity—supporting wellbeing, independence and lifelong participation in sport.
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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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