Shoalstone Swimming Pool, Brixham

This is Shoalstone swimming pool in Brixham, a tidal outdoor swimming pool located not far from Berry Head. At the time of my accident in May 1986, Shoalstone was left to fill up and empty on its own. This meant that at certain states of the tide, the swimming pool contained varying amounts of

water.Unfortunately, I happen to dive in when it contained around 3 1/2 feet of water. 

I hit my head on the bottom of the pool which I think stuned me for a few seconds. My next memory was lying face down in the water, arms in front of me, not being able to move a muscle. I don't suppose it was more than 30 or 40 seconds, but the time I laid face down in the water seemed a lifetime. What will always live with me is the thoughts going through my head. "how did I get myself in this situation?" "oh well, prepare yourself for death"  That was the last thing I remember until I woke up in the hospital. Lucky for me, my friends got me out in time and ironically, there were two qualified lifesavers walking past at the time that did a fantastic job in reviving me. Thank you, you know who you are if you read this.