Zoom workshops for Leeds synchronised swim group Bramley Mermaids during coronavirus lockdown

The Bramley Mermaids Club have been running Zoom workshops so members can practice new techniques on dry land ahead of getting back in the water.

The club is being helped to stay afloat while the community-run Bramley Baths is closed thanks to vital funding from the Swimathon Foundation's Covid-19 Relief Fund.

Bramley Mermaids Club, which has members aged from 12 to 66-years-old, has been running creative exercise and swimming sessions including aquatic dance at Bramley Baths for the last six years.

The club is a community project run by performance troupe Yorkshire Life Aquatic, which was set up in 2013 by former competitive swimmer Lucy Meredith and choreographer Zoe Parker.

They were aiming to recreate some of the glamour of Hollywood and vintage synchronised swimming in Leeds.

Swimathon Foundation's Covid-19 Relief Fund is helping Yorkshire Life Aquatic continue to fund the Bramley Mermaids Club.

Lucy said: “The funding has enabled us to keep going even though we’ve got this gap.

“During lockdown we’ve been running Zoom workshops for techniques for being in the pool in advance of getting back in the water.

"It is difficult because everyone's internet is different so being strictly synchronised is pretty tricky.

"It is good for helping teach people routines so when we get in the water we already know the sequences.

"It's just a way of making sure that when we can get back in the pool we haven't lost too much time.

"It's also about keeping us all connected with quizzes and scavenger hunts."

Lucy added: We are so grateful for the continued support of the community-run Bramley Baths, because without them we wouldn't have a home."

Swimathon Foundation has awarded £50,000 worth of grants to more than 100 swimming clubs, swimming schools and independent aquatic organisations.

Anthony Kendall OBE, Chair of the Swimathon Foundation said: “In these difficult times for all swimming organisations, the Swimathon Foundation has been determined to play its part in supporting those smaller, local groups that are the foundation of swimming participation throughout the UK."