SOME might have been in it to win it, but many of the 445 swimmers in the Coffs Coast Ocean Swims on Sunday, 22 March were cheering for one another.
Grandparents swam with their kids and grandchildren, workmates with friends and school chums with teachers.
The annual ocean swims at the Jetty are always a huge community event, now staged by Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club (SSLSC) and supported by masses of spectators.
“This, the 30th anniversary of the Swims, has again shown how fortunate the local community is to have such a great venue as its focal point,” SSLSC’s Bruce Macphail told News Of The Area.
Ranging in age from eight to 88, swimmers took part in three events with 180 entrants hitting the water first in the 600m swim followed by 66 excited young entrants in the 300m junior swim and, finally, as the morning sun rose, 199 took to the water for the 2km swim.
There were seven inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) from four local surf clubs, three jet skis, and two Marine Rescue craft on the water keeping watch on the swimmers, as well as surf club members on rescue boards.
The feedback from competitors was that it was huge success and a well put together event
“Sawtell SLSC thanks all those who participated and especially the local council, business houses and clubs who supported this event in so many different ways,” Bruce said.
“The achievement of Greg Swan and Michael Tonks in having swum in every race since its inception was duly recognised in a presentation by Mick Maley.
“Mick was the initiator of this event and was heavily involved for many years.
“It was great to have him swimming once again in this 30th anniversary swim.”
Sponsor and swimming coach Kim Roach told NOTA the event was another great success, due to “great conditions, strong performances, and a solid sense of connection”.
The conditions were favourable early with a calm gentle swell and clear water.
“For the 2000m, the wind had kicked in a little with parts being choppy, which challenged some swimmers [who] needed to adapt and stay focused and calm.
“From the very first wave at 8am to the final finishers, the atmosphere was buzzing and all swimmers crossing the finish line were left with a feeling of pride, celebration and achievement.
“It’s a reminder of what makes ocean swimming special, [it’s] the shared experience of getting out there and having a crack”.
John Mills/Coffs and Sawtell Swim Squad 300m
Males:
Age 8: Arthur James (6.44)
Age 9: George Lambert (7.16)
Age 10: Kobi Skeoch (6.16)
Age 11: Donovan Duncan (5.44)
Age 12: Billy Clarke (6.59)
Age 13: Noah Keshk (5.41)
Females
Age 8: Emerald Fidge (8.08)
Age 9: Pippa Moffatt (7.08)
Age 10: Ruby Simon (6.37)
Age 11: Mackenzie Carson (6.17)
Age 12: Hope Mengel (5.31)
Age 13: Pippa Keshk (5:41)
Andersons Floor Coverings 600m
Males: 1st Lachlan Walker (7:41), 2nd Finn Casper (8:37), 3rd Richie Goddard (8:59).
Females: 1st Felicity Walker (8:46), 2nd Abbie Yourell (9:11), 3rd Kaitlin Jean (9:23).
Quality Hotel City Centre 2000m Swim
Males: 1st Lachlan Walker (24:20), 2nd Finn Casper (28:06), 3rd Cooper Woolley (28:10).
Females: 1st Abbie Yourell (28:22), 2nd Felicity Walker (28:24), 3rd Kaitlin Jean (30:21).
For all results visit Sawtell SLSC’s webpage and the Ocean Swims’ Facebook page..
By Andrea FERRARI
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