Good for the soul: Cleansing water, rhythms of nature - and a little chat

For generations of locals, Austinmer ocean pools have become more than just a place to swim. The water may draw people in but it's the sense of community that keeps locals coming back.

Rather than being separated from the ocean, the two rock pools, located at the southern end of Austinmer Beach and overlooked by the historic pavilion, are integrated into the surrounding landscape, rock shelf and crashing waves.

The design allows swimmers to experience the natural beauty of the coastline while enjoying the safety and familiarity of a designated swimming area.

Coastal architect Nicole Larkin said the accessible design is part of what gives the pool its character, making it a destination for both locals and those visiting the area.

“It is a protected space with public and free access that you can come to anytime," she said.

"If you’ve got kids, you can come down with the pram, and if you're not confident or able, it's also really easy to get here.

“In summer, it gets a lot of people from outside the area – it's a real social connector.”

Regular swimmers at the pools have built friendships through shared morning swims, conversations and the simple ritual of returning to the same place.

Lifetime member of the unofficial early morning swim club Judy Bourke said she’s been coming to the pools every single day for the past 47 years.

“I have come every day since February 1979 – 95 per cent of us come every day because it's good for our health and also our mental health,” she said.

“The community of people here is amazing, you feel like you belong here – it's a good feeling.”

Relatively new member Nandini Ray, who has been coming to the pool for three years, said swimming with the community helps her relax amid a busy work schedule.

“My friends encouraged me to come down, and then the setting, the community, the friends that you can have a yarn with and the fact I can bring my dog encouraged me to keep coming,” she said.

“I work in a job that requires a lot of mental thought. I have to think quite hard, and I find that when I go for a swim, I can completely relax, the swim will instantly make me feel better and more clear-headed.”

For many, the routine extends beyond getting in the water as conversations continue after swimmers have dried off. 

Whether it is a familiar face, a friendly greeting or a chance to catch up over a morning swim, the community has become an important part of the experience.

More members of the unofficial early morning swim club shared why they love the pools and why they keep coming back. 

Why we love Austinmer rockpools

Joy Lynch: “The community that’s down here is fantastic and I’ve made lots of nice friendships that have continued on,” she said.

John Currie: “I used to be a history teacher and the history of this place is amazing and interesting – it's historic for the community,” he said.

John McCormack: “There is good community spirit here with a friendly atmosphere, it’s good exercise and the water is good for your soul,” he said.

Georgia Willis: “You can just wash everything away, any problems, you can just leave them behind, and it is a great place to make friends and meet people,” she said.

Suzy Middleton: “I swim every single day, and at different times, there are different groups, so it's a great way to continually meet new and friendly people,” she said.

Lynne: “Swimming makes me feel really good and it's a great start to the day – it helps with mobility, a clear head and socialising,” she said. 

The greatest legacy of the Austinmer pools may not be the pools themselves but the thousands of mornings that have unfolded around them.