NSW is home to some truly incredible ocean swimming pools: nowhere else in the world has so many ocean pools like those found here. From tiny triangular Fairy Bower in Manly and historic Wylie’s in Coogee to Olympic-sized South Cronulla, these ocean swimming pools can be found from Ballina to Eden beaches – offering respite from surfers, board riders, sun bathers or sunbathers while providing their own rhythm: children splash while parents talk while grandparents chatter away as older people find in these salty waters an elixir of youth!
Now that one of Sydney’s iconic swim spots has received much-discussed upgrades, we explore its pool culture history. How did its appreciation evolve into the way it is today?
From the inception of NSW swimming clubs until today, swimmers have sought safe places to practice their laps. Before the late 1800s, most men-only clubs focused on competition at Sydney Harbour for competition purposes until 1891 when women’s associations joined. By 1906 women formed separate associations. Sydney focused on recreation around its harbour until late 19th century – “but both recreational and competitive swimmers want nice safe places to do laps”, says Marie-Louise McDermott who has written extensively on NSW ocean pools.
As swimming pool popularity soared, numerous new rules and regulations were implemented in order to safeguard swimmers and reduce the risk of drowning. Beginning in the 1960s, NSW government started building lifeguard towers and expanding beach patrol from sunrise to sunset; new laws required swimming schools be registered with NSW Amateur Swimming Association while setting standards for student instructors regulated by that same organization. McDermott states it was vital that teachers and swimming schools were qualified enough.
NSW Amateur Swimming Association’s Pool Safety Committee was created to oversee public pools and promote pool safety education. Comprised of experienced swimmers working closely with local councils on creating regulations, this committee ensured all swimming pools met minimum safety standards while setting maintenance and inspection protocols.
The NSW Amateur Swimming Association created an official code of conduct for instructors. As well as providing education for instructors, this document also detailed rules swimmers should abide by to create a safe environment – protecting spectators, patrons and lifeguards as well. In conclusion, the code of conduct helped reduce instances of unsafe practices in NSW swimming pools, leading to significant decreases in drownings across NSW – this being an immense feat achieved by both NSW Amateur Swimming Association and NSW in general. Not only did the code of conduct enhance swimmer safety, it also raised public awareness of pool safety. Furthermore, other states and countries adopted its model and even today it remains in use.