A WOMAN from North Cornwall is doing her bit to make sure one of the region’s popular swimming spots is more accessible to all.

Since 2016, Karen Davy has been enjoying the benefits of cold water swimming, using Bude Sea Pool as a place to dip her toes in and go for a swim, without the need to venture into the sea. She said that she found the routine benefitting her fitness and mental health, while also allowing her to make some lifelong friends within the swimming community.

However, following a spinal cord injury in 2024, Karen became paralysed, leaving her needing to use a wheelchair, and no longer able to use the sea pool.

“I have recently done some swimming in Camelford Leisure Centre, but I really miss the feeling of swimming outside in beautiful surroundings in saltwater,” she said.

Unfortunately, due to access to the pool coming exclusively from staircases, Karen has been left unable to enjoy the facility ever since.

“I made contact with the sea pool to discuss accessibility for those people, like myself, who are in wheelchairs, or who have general mobility issues as there are steep steps on both entrances to the sea pool,” she explained.

“It is such a shame that those with limited mobility cannot access the pool. It is a very safe environment for swimming and there are no waves to knock you over if you are unsteady on your feet.”

In her disappointment, Karen took to social to see if anyone else felt the same way.

“Since I put up a post on my "Wheel Life Cornwall" Facebook page, I have been inundated with people who find access to the pool difficult or impossible,” she said.

As a result, Karen is on a mission to try and improve accessibility at the site.

She explained: “There are so many people living in the area and visitors that would use the pool if access were improved, which would increase revenue for the Sea Pool Trust. Bude could be highlighted as an area for the disabled and those with limited mobility to visit.”

While in its early stages, Karen is exploring ways in which the site could be made wheelchair friendly and more accessible for those with limited mobility - though she understands that geography and finances are an uphill struggle.

“Obviously the geography of the area is a huge factor to be considered,” she continued. Some of the cliffs surrounding the pool are crumbling, and the pool is open to the full force of the Atlantic Ocean and the weather elements.

“I looked at the possibility of using a stair lift from the top, down the existing steps. Looked at the terraces that slope down and also at the access up from the beach with the help of AdSurf who lent me a beach wheelchair.

“As an independent wheelchair user, the only option would be to upgrade the terraces, as the other ideas would mean having someone to help me, which isn't always possible. The lower steps are cut off by the tide for five hours, twice a day.

“If money were no object, a lift shaft and tunnel could be installed.”

So far Karen has met with those from the sea pool and accessible surfing charity AdSurf to explore potential improvements.

She explainedL “I have had productive meetings with the Sea Pool Marketing Manager and AdSurf to put the wheels in motion and get people looking at accessibility with fresh eyes. It would be a long term project, but the benefits would be enormous.

“Blue mental health has always been very important and part of my identity. Having a safe, accessible Sea Pool, where users can visit independently, without relying on others, would be of so much benefit to the swimming community.”