Fremantle Shivering Shags is a sports club located in Perth, Western Australia. The club was founded on Sunday 30 May 1976 by a group of 17 individuals who were looking to maintain their fitness during the winter months through swimming. The club's founding members came from various sporting backgrounds, including the Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club, Fremantle Rugby League Club, and Melville Water Polo Club. The club's meetings initially took place at the Fremantle Rugby League Club's grounds before being moved to the old Richmond Theatre in East Fremantle.
The club's first president, Brian Wedgewood, was the first member (“Shag”) to compete at the Australian Winter Swimming Championships in Newcastle in September 1976. By the end of the first season, the club had 61 members. In 1981, the club relocated to the Melville Water Polo Club (MWPC) in Bicton, where it is still based today. However, the MWPC did not have an useable pool until 1982, so the club continued swimming at Kevin Duff's pool on Canning Highway.
Currently, Fremantle Shivering Shags has around 45 full members who participate in a season consisting of approximately 24 official swims. The season typically starts in late April or early May and ends in mid-to-late September. The swims take place on Sunday mornings with the first swim commencing at 8:00 am. After the swim, members gather for breakfast and a weekly meeting to stay updated on club matters.
The club also participates in two away swims each season at Cottesloe Crabs and Somerset Sea Snakes, building camaraderie within the State Winter Swimming competition. Visiting swimmers are always welcome to join.
For those interested in joining Fremantle Shivering Shags, the club offers the opportunity to enjoy winter swimming and stay fit during the colder months. The club welcomes new members and encourages participation in their events and activities. For more information, individuals can contact the club secretary via email: secretary@wsaainc. Com.
Additionally, the club's executive committee can be reached for further inquiries. The current executive committee members include President Mark Regan, Vice President Barry Egan, Treasurer Atholl Flint, and Secretary Tyler Burrows. Contact details for each executive member are provided for easy communication.
Fremantle Shivering Shags is proud to be a part of the Australian Winter Swimming Association (AWSA), which was established in 1959. The AWSA aims to organise an annual winter swimming competition where members from various clubs can socialise and compete formally. The association started with seven winter swimming clubs and has grown over the years to include numerous clubs across the country. The AWSA fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among winter swimmers and continues to promote and support the sport.
So, if you are looking to stay active and embrace the challenge of winter swimming, Fremantle Shivering Shags welcomes you to join their club. With a long-standing history and a dedicated group of members, the club provides a supportive and enjoyable environment for all participants. Get in touch with the club today to become a member and experience the thrill of winter swimming in Perth.