BUDE Sea Pool has been ranked the ninth ‘sexiest pool in the world’ — described as a ‘stunning swimming venue’ by energy drink firm Red Bull.

The unusual accolade has been welcomed by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, the charity that manages the sea pool.

Last week Red Bull published an article detailing ‘the world’s sexiest swimming pools to train in’. It said the list brought together ‘the most amazing pools to train in on the planet’, adding: “If you know where to look there are some absolutely incredible swimming pools scattered across the globe, each with their own unique selling point and Instagram-worthy dramatics.”

The article read: “If you’re looking for extra motivation in the water, these stunning swimming venues are where you’ll find it.”

At number nine on the list, the company said of Bude’s sea pool: “This venue is free and visited by thousands of people every year. The pool is a semi-natural amenity that has provided safe bathing since the 1930s. It is 91m long and 45m wide and created in a conservation area to shelter the swimmers from the occasionally rough Atlantic Ocean. The pool is open 24/7 — just once a year it is closed to be cleaned of algae. The best time to swim in the pool is during low tide. Lifeguards are on duty during peak times.”

Chairman of the Friends of Bude Sea Pool (FoBSP), Paul Tilzey, said on hearing the sea pool had made the list: “We were delighted. It was a surprise. We had no idea. It’s wonderful. They call it the sexiest! It’s difficult to see why they would use that phrase, I would think it’s because part of it is totally natural. There are beach huts on the terrace, but the other side is ‘au naturel’ — so whether it’s that!

“We have been rated by an Australian firm that gave us an accolade because of the quality of our magazine that we give to our members. Any international accolade, or obviously any accolade is welcome because of all the hard work the volunteers do.

“It’s another boost for Bude.”