Everyone who swam in the Bermagui River last Sunday was reminded why the Far South Coast of NSW is the best location on Earth. We had beautiful Autumn weather, with clear, sparkling water and a windless, cloud-free day. Conditions were perfect as the 5 km swim meandered through pristine forest.
The swimmers and sponsors managed to raise $3000 on the day and that money will go towards solar panels for the Bermagui rural fire station. That money will get a kilowatt of solar panels onto the roof of the fire station, but the plan is to double that installation, so we need more money. Anyone interested in donating should contact the www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au web site.
The 12 swimmers who completed the swim were Ken Bellett, Darryl Anderson, Brendan Faulkner, Matthew Nott, Lynda Cantrill, Kerry and Stuart Thompson, Ann Herbert, John Phillips, Louise Armstrong, Grant Prowse, and Giles Ellingworth. Giles volunteered to be the event doctor, but skills were not required on the day.The swimmers were accompanied by a flotilla of kayaks and paddlers.
We were supported by the Bermagui surf club and NSW Maritime. Thanks go to the River Rock Café, the Bermagui Pharmacy and the Bermagui Lions. In particular, thanks goes to Country Energy who have always been extremely supportive of the LifeSaving Energy Big Swim and were the major sponsors of the Bermagui swim.
Prue Kelly spent many long hours organising the swim and generating enthusiasm for the event. It would not have been possible without her tireless work. The Bermagui fire service turned out in force and welcomed the swimmers home with water cannons.
The next LifeSaving Energy swim looks like being a deep water swim from Merimbula Wharf to the Pambula surf club next summer. It will not be a swim for the faint hearted.
Matthew Nott