Today im going to speak about the Bold & the Beautiful welcome table.
It’s where we greet new swimmers as they arrive and give them the quick briefing: we jump in at 7am, swim to the point and wait for the “let’s go,” then head over to Shelley Beach.Once there, we gather as a group until someone calls out, “Any birthdays? Any newbies?” – then we wait for the next “let’s go” and swim back together.
I also share that on clear visibility days, if you swim closer to the rocks, you’ll often see an extraordinary array of wildlife. And if you’re feeling tired or not quite confident, you can hop out at the Bower steps, or simply get out at Shelley and walk back (we do call that the walk of shame – I giggle and add, no, we all do it sometimes, so please feel free!).
We also remind everyone there’s no water safety and that you swim at your own risk.
But more than that … it’s where we say welcome.Welcome to the water, community, courage, and connection.
We also let people know about the fun stuff – winter badge challenges, summer badge challenges, Skinny Solstice – all those little milestones that turn swims into memories and strangers into friends.
Standing at that table, I’m often reminded of my own first morning.
It was the 15th May 2024 when I noticed a blonde lady standing at the welcome table, I finally worked up the courage to say hi. It just so happened to be Simone on the desk that morning. She welcomed me, explained everything, and handed me my very first pink cap.
That moment meant more than she probably realised.After my swim, I got back into my car, placed that pink cap on the passenger seat, took a photo, and uploaded it to my socials. I was that proud. Proud to wear it. Proud to belong. Proud to have taken the leap.
When I arrived, I knew I wanted to meet people and be part of the community – and what better way than volunteering on the Bold & the Beautiful welcome table?
I’ve never looked back.
Volunteering at the welcome table has been one of the most meaningful parts of my Bold & Beautiful journey. It’s where I’ve met so many of you – brand new faces and familiar ones that have been here for years.
This morning’s swim was one of those swims, the conditions were absolute bliss. Visibility was pretty decent and there were lots of fish around us. We were lucky enough to have some special surprises too – a wobbegong, a cuttlefish, and even a turtle made an appearance.
It was one of those swims that gently reminds you just how magical this place really is.
At a lovely 22 degrees in the water, surrounded by friends, it felt calm, joyful, and grounding all at once – just lovely.
And while we’re talking about volunteering – we also have Cole Classic coming up on 22 February, and we’d love some extra hands on the day.
It’s another beautiful way to give back to the ocean that gives us so much. Vollie perks – free CC Tshirt, CC towel & an invite to the after party. Click here to register: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/109016/cole-classic-2026/volunteer/register
The water may bring us together —
but it’s the welcome table that keeps us connected.
💙 Deb