They say that Swedish people keep their hair dry while swimming. Well that used to be me.
But one day, a decade ago, I decided to take adult swim correction lessons in the kids' pool [at the local swim centre]. I also decided I wanted to be a surf lifesaver. Looking back, it was a hilarious, if not ridiculous thought because I really couldn’t even swim properly.
It was around this time that a small but growing group of people started to swim across from Manly to Shelly Beach and back every morning. This is the group now known as the. Along with some girlfriends, I was trying to improve my swimming by doing a few little laps in the harbour pool, and we considered the “ocean crossers” on the Manly beach side to be brave to the point of foolish.
That was until one of the ladies in our tiny group plucked up the courage and joined them. She came back and said, ‘the swimmers in the ocean are just like us – they aren’t good at swimming either and they’re all shapes and sizes too.’
So on a calm day soon after, the rest of us joined the ocean-side swimmers.
‘The swimmers in the ocean are just like us – they aren’t good at swimming either and they’re all shapes and sizes too.’ Source: Peter Sharp
It was such a big deal. We were scared of sharks and unfamiliar with the surf, so it was comforting to swim with a group of encouraging people.
Now, 10 years down the track, I am comfortable swimming anywhere, by myself or with friends - surf conditions permitting. I’m also enjoying being a volunteer surf lifesaver, which has further helped me grow in confidence. Last year, I learnt to drive an IRB, an inflatable rescue boat, through a course offered at my lifesaving club. I’m proud of that, and grateful for the opportunity.
You realise that even though you’re a grown-up, you never stop expanding and moving closer to realising your full potential. It’s not about being fearless: it’s about feeling frightened and doing it anyway.
"Daily handstand practice before my swim." Source: Supplied
Facing my fears has helped me in other fields of my life as well. Now, if I want to do something, I go for it. I’m learning to sail and recently completed an overnight sail in big seas. Only a year ago, I wouldn’t have agreed to do such a thing, but now I say, ‘let’s do it, let’s live’.
Only a year ago, I wouldn’t have agreed to doing such a thing, but now I say, ‘let’s do it, let’s live’. Source: Peter Sharp
Life-saving community support
It’s not just the challenge or the physical act of swimming that has been helpful to me.
Around seven years ago, my son got epilepsy. He was 19 at the time and was neurologically very compromised. There were some ups and downs that were horrendous. At one point, he got so bad that I had to shower, dress and feed him.
I didn’t realise it at the time, but my now former husband was also mentally moving away from me. During the divorce [and my son’s illness], it really helped to have a community of friends around me that was so loving and caring. To be honest, I don’t know how I would have coped if I didn’t have them all.
Friends like my bestie Lori would come around with a take-away coffee or look after my son so that I could go for a much-needed swim break in the ocean.
Ocean swimming is my medication. The salt water is healing and being in the water allows you to be connected to nature. When you are swimming, you’re also getting physical exercise, which is really good for your mental wellbeing.
I feel grateful every time I swim. I am grateful to be part of a group where I connect with other people and feel a sense of community belonging.
You shouldn’t wait for a bad time to happen before you reach out to join a community group. Look around and see what’s out there in your area – it might be an exercise group or a volunteering activity, where you can meet people who have the time, energy and kindness to talk to you and ensure that your life is full of meaning.
There will be at least one group out there doing something you like that resonates with you. So go and find out the details. It will make you feel connected to this world and you will realise that you are not alone.
The Medibank Free + Active program is a commitment to help all Australians feel happier, healthier and more connected. With a goal to have 1.5 million Aussies take part in Free + Active in the next five years, the program encourages everyone to get together and get moving, while also bringing together a range of community based partners, highlighting free, fun and social activities. To find a local Medibank Free + Active program like Bold & Beautiful Swim Squad near you, click .
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