Wednesday 4/10/2017 Excitement in the Bay!!

It started out just like many other beautiful mornings in our Bay. The golden sun rose from the horizon, lighting up a mostly clear sky. The air temperature was a comfortable 16 degrees with an almost unnoticeable gentle 4 knot WNW breeze. It was high tide and the gentle .5m SE swell  offered a rollercoaster ride at the Point. Visibility was not at its best but the water temperature was as warm as yesterday but not sure if a reading was taken today. John Bond where are you??

 

The 6.30’s take to the water

 

 

Simon, very sensibly  stretching out pre swim.

 

 

Super fit and gorgeous Annie and David heading down the ramp

 

Always fun and lively David, Holly and Mel.

 

Shaun, in his supremely powerful role of lower middle management, or as he suggested “Integrity Police” kept an eye on the numbers today. There were 4 x 6am, 3 x 6.15am and 54 at 6.30. He became a bit slack at 7am. Shaun I’m still waiting on an “exact” head count!

 

Newbie Max. Welcome Max, I hope you had a great swim.

 

Harriet, Emily and Newbie Claire.

 

Cath, Midge and Shelley

 

As we entered at 7am, the waves rose up to greet us.

 

Melise, Heather, Jacquie, and Cath being artfully photo bombed by Rainer and Julia.

 

 

Michele, Michael and Leisa

 

Michael and Leisa

 

Kara, looking very excited about her swim

 

A little choppy as we headed to Shelly

 

This Port Jackson was the only Marine creature I saw today due to poor visibility and not really looking that hard!

 

The fun and frivolity at Shelly

 

 

Peter masterfully taking on a probationary middle management role and giving us all an impressive “Let’s Go”

 

Michele and Martin

It was just about here that our calm, predictable, secure morning routine swim started changing…..

 

 

Initially swimmers were just trying to make their way through the playful waves, only slightly aware of a commotion in the skies…..

 

And then they started noticing the helicopter and jet ski searching the water….. The theories started flowing with all sorts of suggestions ranging from shark sighting to floating bodies. Never a group to over sensationalise!

 

It seemed that a boat was helping the search as the helicopter hovered over the returning swimmers and doublers, surely striking fear into most swimmers still in the bay

 

Fear and consternation was setting in on some of the hardier B &Bers

 

But it was when we returned to the Club and noticed the Police and Paramedics quietly observing the search,  that it got really interesting with all sorts of stories filtering through.

 

Not one ….but two ambulances!

 

The helicopter made several sweeps of the beach.

I would like to point out at this stage that Yes, I was looking for a different angle for today’s blog. It is true, I was trying to think of an interesting theme for what was surely going to be a slow news day and I admit I have been thinking creatively on how to get people to read and comment on the blog, (not that it is a competition)!………..But it was NOT me who rang the emergency services with a suspected sighting of a distressed swimmer!! However I would like to thank our “First Responders” for the feeling of safety and security, they instilled in us today and also, all be it at the tax payers expense they gave me so many photo opportunities and a great blog story.

The final story, and one that seemed plausible to all, was that a member of the Public had noticed a swimmer a long way out and had notified the surf club thinking they may have been in distress. I just thought, “That’s probably our Cheryl just doing her normal 8km swim”!!

After the commotion had died down and peace and tranquility had once again returned to our Wall, our normal routine continued. Coffee’s were ordered, tall tales exchanged, hugs were offered and received and a general sense of well being was felt by all.

 

Sam

 

Sally, Tracey, Kelly, Jane and Jacquie

 

Richard, John, David and Rob aka Bones

 

Very happy swimmers getting ready to start the rest of their day

 

Gorgeous photo of Nick and Aussie

 

Beautiful, Happy swimmers

 

 

Suzie, Swimmer of the Day Sue and Janet

I guess today is a timely reminder for everyone to stay safe when swimming. I hope everyone has a wonderful remainder of their day

Lisa

Stats:

Water temp: 19.1

Swimmers: Still waiting Shaun

Newbies: at least 2

Helicopters: 1

Ambulances: 2

Police cars: 1

NOTICES:

I am participating in ENDURE 24 from 6-7 October which is to support the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation which supports research for treatment and a cure for those suffering from SanFillippo Syndrome. Sanfilippo Syndrome is a rare genetic disease which affects the central nervous system of children. I know a family from the Northern Beaches whose children both have Sanfilippo Syndrome. They are beautiful children and to think they may not reach adulthood breaks my heart. ENDURE 24 entails a CrossFit workout on the hour for 24 hours at CrossFit Manly Vale. If you would like to donate to this worthy cause the links are below.

Thank you,

Nat

https://www.sfsuperseries.com.au/my-fundraising/353/natalie-sengchanh-endure-24

https://galabid.com/auction/crossfit

 

Expression of Interest!
Royal Far West would love to hear from any Bold & Beautiful members who are keen to help run a surf/sail/kayak or paddleboard program for our seniors during the summer months. These are children from the country who are at RFW for the week to receive medical help, speech pathology, OT, and more. We have foster kids, kids who come with their families or from remote areas where there is simply no assistance available. A working with children check and surf lifesaving qualification required. To register your interest or enquire please call Linda Scott on 86226838 or email lindas@royalfarwest.org.au. Other non water based volunteer opportunities are also available.