The Cottesloe Crabs Winter Swimming Club Inc. was founded in 1973.
Our initial swimming venue was Beatty Park in Perth. At the time, Royal Lifesaving had their headquarters nearby, and they were kind enough to share the premises with the Crabs on a Sunday morning.
Following was the weekly bbq, a few beers and the fines sessions, a ritual that continues today.
Later, the club moved to the Claremont Pool where the club shared facilities with the Dolphins Water Polo club.
During the 1980s, the club purchased its own transportable clubrooms and had it erected at the then Challenge Stadium in Claremont, our present home (it is now HBF stadium).
The club has participated in all the national championships since its formation and has had excellent success. The Cottesloe Crabs has won 10 national flags and had numerous individual winners during that time.
Our most prolific winners have been Bruce Nicholas, Ian Vilkson and John Ryan (6 times winners); John Golding and Gordon Medcalf (4 times winners); Dom Sheldrick, Matt Renshaw, Simon Martin, Paul Entwistle and Tom Stachewicz (3 times winners).
Presently, our weekly programme consists of 200m, 100m and 50 handicap and scratch events with a few novelty events such as 'Bring A Mate Day' and a 'Dash For Cash' day.
The Crabs have a great camaradarie between their members and enjoy the swimming and the social aspect that the club offers.