Thursday 21 November: Swimming can be hazardous to your health

It was an eerie kind of morning this morning with a firey red sunrise and plenty of smoke haze as the sun came up over Cabbage Tree Bay. (thanks Carol and Jenny for the additional photos)

John gave us a warning about strenuous activity and making sure we all came back in one piece – as if a little smoke haze was every going to stop Bold and Beautiful swimmers.

In we all went!

There were some serious discussions to be had!

The WOW’s now have team colours by the looks of it.  Speaking of the WOWs they will be holding a cake staff for the fire victims this weekend.  Details are below.

These guys were all too happy to pose with their shirts off.

While Pete – pictured here with Thorso the legend – is excited that after surgery two weeks ago today he was allowed back in the water.  He’s quite ready to swim Manly to Shelly and back but a frolic can still do the mindset wonders.

Despite the smoke it was still a great day for a swim.

Water temperature 19.4
Newbies.  2
Total swimmers.  173

Other notices:

Thanks to Medibank Free and Active, B&B random swimmer of the month for October is: Mike Russell

Mike has done 41 swims. His main motivation to join B&B was to keep up my fitness levels post 50, and importantly to do more with the local community. “I used to bodysurf all the local breaks for years, and when the weather was flat I would swim across to Shelley Beach by myself. One day I counted 12 sharks as I swam and decided that maybe it was time to swim with the group!” 

Mike has two purchases in mind with his voucher … either a sports watch, or a new swimming wetsuit.

Great work Mike.

Management update

Management recently attended a meeting with representatives from Northern Beaches and Lake Macquarie Councils. The two Councils in question have been chosen to undertake a “Smart Beaches” project. The Councils wanted to inform the Bold and Beautiful what the project is all about. The project’s end result is to furnish more data to enable the Life Savers to perform their jobs as well as possible and improve conditions at the beaches and surrounds. 

There will be a number of initiatives which will provide additional information on;

-the number of swimmers/pedestrians on and around the beaches

-the use of facilities by beachgoers

-bathing and swimming conditions

In order to record information there will be cameras installed at Manly and Shelly beaches, GPS trackers will be attached to the red and yellow flags, to buggies, rescue boards and even the rubbish bins to ensure they get emptied appropriately. Some lifeguards will be equipped with devices to measure their movement and activity.  Installation is expected late November and a similar situation will be happening on Redhead and Blacksmith beaches in Lake Macquarie. There isn’t really much for us to do other than encourage the project as it will hopefully improve safety and beach conditions for all at Manly and Shelly.

Cake Stall to support Bush Fire Victims from the WOWs

Hi B&B friends. We will be holding a cake stall this Saturday 23 November to help the community of our fellow BnB swimmer Belinda Robertson. Bee & hubby Bruce have been ready for action defending their farm for the past week, they have been spared but their community is suffering great loss (they are near Wingham/Taree). Please bake if you can or bring your $$ and appetite on Saturday. Or if you won’t be there but would like to donate, see the link below. Thank you 💕 

Click here to support MidCoast Bush Fire Relief organized by LIONS Club of Taree (MidCoast) NSW

LIONS Club of Taree (MidCoast) NSW MidCoast Bush Fire Relief LET’S JOIN TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Want to join LIONS Australia in helping those affected

B&B FUNDRAISING CHRISTMAS PARTY

Please book early for the B & B Christmas Party, which will be held on Tuesday 10^th December at 6.30 pm in Henry’s Rooftop Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme is simply “Christmas”, so come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. The music this year will again be provided by the band, “Gluteus Maximus”, who play two types of music, Rock and Roll! The cost is $15 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, as numbers are limited. Book HERE now!