By the Sea Eels Winter Swimming Club president Peter McDonald
After two years of not too much swimming thanks to Covid we are back in business in our 34th Year of Winter Swimming.
Our numbers are slightly down this season for a couple of reasons; one being that travel is on again after lockdowns and our members are taking full advantage of this.
Thanks to The Flame’s story in the last edition, we had four new members turn up – they were quite surprised that the water temperature was not as cold as anticipated, currently it is 18°C.
To date we have hosted our annual Bulli Sea Lions visit, this was followed by a visit from the Bondi Iceberg ladies. We also conducted a “Bring-a-Friend” day at Wombarra Bowlo.
Still to come we will be hosting the South Coast Winter Swim Championships, a bus trip to the iconic Bondi Iceberg pool to contest the Invitational Carnival and a trip to Wagga Wagga for the Australian Championships.
Our club is a family club open to all swimmers who can swim 50 metres unaided.
We swim at the picturesque Coalcliff pool 9am every Sunday from the first Sunday after Anzac Day up until early September. Swims are 50m, 100m and a relay, all swims are handicapped and as competitive as you may wish your swim to be.
Following the swims, we head back to Stanwell Park Surf Club for delicious soups made by our members, drinks if so desired and plenty of socialising. This is also where we raise funds for charity by means of fines, raffles and Joker Poker.
Our main charity is CRAM Foundation who provide a caring service to disabled adults and children, we have been supporting CRAM since 1999 and made many friendships with the residents. Each year we make a substantial donation to purchase much needed equipment. Other donations are made to worthy local causes.
Our club welcomes all community residents and residents outside of the area as well as all surf club members. Join the Sea Eels and you also become an “Associate Member” of the Helensburgh Stanwell Park Surf Club and covered by the surf club insurance.
Once again, the Sea Eels an all-inclusive, friendly club who enjoy a cool swim and socialising. Hope to see you on the blocks next Sunday.
