Aerial ballet in Barmedman

Amazing shot by Nick Mullen

Oatley Baths seen from above: NOW and not so now...

Oatley Baths from above - NOW

Oatley Baths seen from above - by TL Livingstone in 1834

Oatley Amateur Swimming Club as seen by the Dictionary of Sydney

 

Looking back: 1992

Aren't we beautiful?  Do you recognise anyone?

Oatley Swimming Club in 1992. We have not changed a bit.

Spunks, eh?

The river now - as it was then, in 1992.  (Photo by Phil)

Last swim meet of 2013-14 season

It was one of those mild autumn days: sunny, sweet and warm. 

There's always one in every crowd

A length of the baths was scheduled today.  It follows the shark net and is roughly 365 metres: about a year long. 

The start is at the far end of the baths, and is a land component of the program where you walk barefoot along the shore. 

The starting line up for length of baths

Length of baths race in progress

Ditto

Timers clocking the length of baths race

The finishing line: timers tell each swimmer their times. It is not always good news.

As you can see, some swimmers use flippers.

A river mermaid

Atmosphere shot

Our boatie, who crosses the river for the swim meets. 

The river is a friendly place, and here are some warm moments:

Friends with mud boots

Mud high boots with matching gloves

As always, trees stand by, keeping green.

A non-swimmer.

Dive Dive Dive

Senior ladies - mid-air.

 

Juniors goggle up for the dive

GO!

Senior men goggle up

And they are away...

The round-the-baths race (700 metres) (about).  We start at one end, swim to the end of the baths, then back to where we started. 

As you can see, the round-the-baths race is an informal affair and allows flippers, any swimming stroke, walking in the shallows, no age limit and much banter.  The winner is not the first home, but whoever swims closest their nominated time.  For this reason, there is one rule for this race: you cannot wear watch. 

This is how the baths look before we hit the water...

...and this is the baths after we hit the water.  We are indeed a force of nature.

Here is another force of nature: our beloved, much respected and handsome handicapper.