SWIMMING: It was a different world when the first members of Bolton Swimming Club practised their skills by plunging into the icy cold lodges of the town’s mills.

That was in 1872, and health and safety issues have moved on a tad for what is one of the oldest sporting organisations in the area.

Even within the last 30 years, the club’s chief coach Terry Stott and his pals used to do water polo training in Belmont’s Blue Lagoon — an activity which would prompt a stern telling off from the rescue services if it were to take place today.

It was not until 1924 when Moss Street Baths in Halliwell opened that the swimming moved indoors. It stayed there until 1987 when the Water Place opened. When that closed in 2002, they moved to Farnworth Pool.

The club has just returned to the Brackley Street pool after a £280,000 refurbisment, which forced them to move to Ladybridge Sports Centre for three months, and a finer example of modern good practice would be difficult to find.

Bolton SC is now Swim21 accredited by the Amateur Swimming Association, which means its 16 volunteers meet the strict criteria for coaching, child protection and all round safety. They also have the Bolton clubmark award.

“Our volunteers don’t even get expenses for what they do,” said Stott, who has been a member of the club for more than 40 years. “But they are all ASA qualifited and all are Criminal Recors Bureau checked. We are here chiefly to introduce the skills required in competitive swimming — including diving, turning, breathing and improving strokes.”

Older teenagers are also encouraged to take coaching and lifeguard qualfiications.

Bolton’s brightest prospect is 14-year-old Turton High School pupil Anthony Evitts who is currently the second best backstroker at his age in the UK.

Alison Payton, aged 16, has competed in several national finals.

James Oxborrow, aged 11, is another lad making a big impact at county level as is 14-year-old Bethany McArt.

Up to 35 of the clubs swimmers are part of the elite groups — chiefily Bolton Metro Swim Squad — aimed at honing the skills of youngsters with extra ability.

One of their most famous former members is Gerard Rowlinson, who swam breaststroke in the 1960 Rome Olympic Games.

“We encourage all abilities to come to the club,” said Stott. “We take them from the age of six as long as they can swim a length. On this we work with Farnworth Pool. On Friday night we have a link group, and once they are up to the right level, they are offered a place in the club.”

Bolton Swimming Club currently has 140 members but many stopped attending while they were temporarily at Ladybridge because sessions were only run late on Fridays.

But now the club are back to running sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, and they are keen to recruit new members and for existing swimmers to start attending sessions again.