SWIM
SISTERS
The 2024 Swim Sisters Season kicked off at the end of January, running
through until the 9th of March before the start of Ramadan. The Swim
Sisters program was formed to create a supportive and inclusive space to
encourage multicultural women to participate in swimming and learn how
to swim in the ocean.
Throughout the seven early Saturday mornings the ten participants, a
mixture of new and returning faces, learnt about surf safety, reading waves
and rips, how to navigate waves while swimming. They made significant
progress in building their confidence and understanding of the ocean.
The conditions ranged from week to week, with some large swell sizes and
bluebottles and brisk winds. By the last session, the team was able to swim
through the northern rip to the boat ramp and across into the flags and
a trip out to the buoys as well. Some highlights for all were the fish and
stingrays spotted on the clearer days. Many of the women have shared
their learning and passion for the ocean with their families and friends.
The Swim Sisters brought their enthusiasm to learn and give it all a go,
challenging their comfort zone in a safe space. The program would not
have been possible without the amazing water safety team who made
it out to the early Saturday starts, big thanks to – Marcella Atti, Anna
Booth, Verity Newlove, Naomi Tully, Isabella Bruce, Maria Frade and Amber
Stewart.
Catherine Rich
101
117TH ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2023/24