The Coogee Penguins Winter Swimming Club is a sports club located in Sydney, Australia. Affiliated with the Coogee Surf Club, the Penguins swim every Sunday at the Ross Jones Pool, in front of the Surf Club, during winter from the first week in May until the last week in September.
The club welcomes men, women, and children of all ages, ranging from 6 years old to 80 years old and above. The Penguins enjoy swimming at Coogee beach during the winter months, and participate in various events and championships throughout the season. Some notable events include the National Winter Swimming Championships in September and the Sydney Invitational Winter Swimming Championships at Bondi Icebergs in July.
The club offers a range of weekly events for its members, including a 20 lap Nominated Time race, 2 and 4 lap handicap races, Individual Medley, and 4-person relays. Handicap events are particularly popular as they allow swimmers of all ability levels to participate. In addition to the weekly events, the club also holds Annual Age and Grade Championship events.
To become a member of the Coogee Penguins Winter Swimming Club, the annual fees are $60 for Coogee Surf Club Members and $65 for non-members. This fee covers registration with the Winter Swimming Association and allows entry to all events throughout the season. Further details and information can be obtained via the club's email.
To participate in the Sunday swimming sessions, members, and guests should contact the Handicapper before 20:00 on Saturday or arrive at the Ross Jones pool before 9:45 on Sunday morning. The races typically begin at 10:15 am.
The Coogee Penguins Winter Swimming Club is led by a dedicated team of officers, including President Pat Garcia, Emperor Penguin Mick McMahon, Vice-President Gemma Lumley, Secretary Christine Devine, Treasurer Tim Green, and Captain Dennis Morgan. Other key roles within the club include Vice-Captain, Handicapper, Chief Judge, and Delegate to the Winter Swimming Association Australia.
Overall, the Coogee Penguins Winter Swimming Club provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages and swimming abilities to enjoy swimming at Coogee beach during the winter months.