About Into The Blue
Into The Blue is a One Ilfracombe project giving local children the opportunity to experience the sea, develop essential water-safety skills and take part in water-based activities – completely free of charge.
For children growing up in a coastal town, the sea is part of everyday life. But living beside it does not necessarily mean that every child has the confidence, equipment or opportunity to enjoy it safely.
Into The Blue was created to change that. Working with local schools, the Harbourmaster, Ilfracombe Watersports Hub and experienced local activity providers, the project helps young people build confidence in and around the water while experiencing activities that might otherwise be inaccessible to them.
Into The Blue 2026
Following the success of the first sessions in 2025, Into The Blue returned in June and July 2026, giving approximately 180 Year 5 and Year 6 local children another opportunity to get Into The Blue.
Sessions were organised across three weeks during June and July, with different classes attending morning and afternoon sessions.
The programme combined sea swimming and water-confidence sessions with coasteering and Mega SUP activities, giving children different ways of experiencing the sea while learning in a safe and supported environment.
Activities were delivered by local activity providers Coastal Swim Coaching, Active Escape and H2Outdoor.
Into The Blue in Action
More Than Just Watersports
Into The Blue isn’t simply about having fun in the water – although there is plenty of that.
The project was designed to address some very real barriers experienced by children living in Ilfracombe. Despite having the sea on their doorstep, some children have limited opportunities to access it because of cost, lack of equipment or a lack of confidence in the water.
Importantly, the activities are provided free of charge, helping ensure that family income isn’t a barrier to taking part.
A Community Partnership
One of the strengths of Into The Blue is the number of local organisations working together to make it happen.
The project brings together One Ilfracombe, local schools, the Harbourmaster, Ilfracombe Watersports Hub, Coastal Swim Coaching, Active Escape, H2Outdoor and other local partners.
It is a great example of what can be achieved when local organisations combine their knowledge, facilities and resources for the benefit of Ilfracombe's young people.
A Huge Thank You to Our Supporters
Into The Blue would not be possible without the organisations that have supported and invested in the project.
Fullabrook CIC
Thank you to Fullabrook CIC for providing important financial support towards the equipment required to help children take part safely.
Ilfracombe Tesco
Thank you to Ilfracombe Tesco whose support through local community funding helped us get the very best local activity providers onboard.
North Devon Council
Thank you to North Devon Council for its support for the project and for opportunities enabling local children to access the coast and watersports facilities.
Devon County Council
Thanks to Devon County Council locality funding from Councillor Sara Wilson, additional equipment has been provided to help prolong the life of our 100% recyclable wetsuits.
Looking to the Future
Into The Blue was never intended to be a one-off experience.
The ambition is to continue giving successive generations of Ilfracombe children the opportunity to become safer and more confident around the sea.
By introducing children to the sea in a positive, safe and inclusive environment, we also hope some will continue their journey through swimming, watersports, sailing and other local coastal activities.
For some, Into The Blue may simply provide several weeks of fantastic memories.
For others, it could be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the sea.
Get Involved
If you would like to support Into The Blue or find out more about the project, please get in touch with One Ilfracombe.
