Plans for a new sea pool on an Isle of Wight seafront have moved a step closer with the launch of a fundraising appeal.

Community Interest Company Swim the Wight wants to create a "wave-shaped, Olympic-sized" pool at Yaverland.

The "accessible and free to use" facility would be the first tidal pool to be built in the UK in a decade, the group said.

An artist's impression of how the sea pool could lookAn artist's impression of how the sea pool could look (Image: Isle of Wight Sea Pool) It would be constructed within the Sandown Bay sea defences, which are due to be fixed by The Environment Agency.

To make the project a reality, Swim the Wight said it needs to raise £50,000 by early 2025 to go towards securing professional reports on environmental impacts, design and engineering options.

A new company, Isle of Wight Sea Pool LTD, has also been launched, along with a website.

A spokesperson said: "A huge amount of work has taken place behind the scenes on this project so far, all by talented volunteers passionate about making this project happen.

"Every donation made, big or small, will go towards the feasibility study needed by the authorities to show our pool will withstand the tests of time, integrate sustainably within the sea defences and support the marine environment."

(Image: IWCP)

Given agreement is secured to build the sea pool into the coastal defences, and funding is secured, the group aims to apply for planning permission in 2026.

"Subject to all funds being put in place and the timetable of sea defence refurbishment, we anticipate construction will commence either alongside the refurbishment of the sea defences or after (from 2027)", the group added.