The Stanwell Park Sea Eels is a well-known winter swimming club that has been a part of the local community since April 1989. It all started when a notice was posted on the Helensburgh Stanwell Park SLSC, looking for individuals interested in forming a new club. A total of 19 members attended the inaugural meeting, where they decided on the club's name, colours, and even elected office bearers.
On April 16th, 1989, the very first swim organised by the Stanwell Park Sea Eels took place, and it was a great success. With 33 enthusiastic swimmers, the event was held at Coalcliff sea pool, and the water temperatures were perfect. The club's popularity quickly grew, and by the end of May, the membership reached an impressive 59 swimmers. Each Sunday, an average of 30 swimmers showed up, eager to take part in the activities.
Over the years, the Stanwell Park Sea Eels have made their mark in the swimming community by participating in various competitions. They have proudly represented their club at the South Coast Championships and even the renowned Australian Championships. It is worth mentioning that the team has triumphed in these events, proudly bringing gold medals back home.
Despite the challenges faced in the past, such as ensuring female swimmers were included in the South Coast Championships, the Stanwell Park Sea Eels have managed to maintain a social and welcoming atmosphere. This club truly understands the value of inclusivity and creates an environment where everyone feels at ease, regardless of their gender or age.
If you're interested in joining the Stanwell Park Sea Eels, you'll be pleased to know that local swim times are at Coalcliff pool every Sunday. These sessions begin after Anzac Day and continue until the week prior to the Australian Championship, which is typically held in September. The only requirement to participate is that swimmers should be able to confidently swim 25 meters without any assistance.
For further details and information, we invite you to visit the Stanwell Park surf club website. Alternatively, if you have any specific queries or need assistance, feel free to reach out to Peter McDonald at pmcd8@bigpond.net.au. So come on down and join the Stanwell Park Sea Eels for an exciting open water swimming event that promises an enjoyable experience for all.
