Australia is famed for its famous swim-through pools (also called “sdy pools”) that are built into headlands, filled with ocean water and open to the public for a small fee. These swimming holes, sometimes known as “bogey holes”, have long been part of Aboriginal people’s relationship to the sea – as well as becoming part of Sydney’s coast and beaches, particularly its north-eastern shoreline.
Visitors to Sydney’s beachside pool complexes will likely see young families and children enjoying the refreshing waters, reflecting Australia’s love affair with its beaches and ocean. Sydney’s many swimming pools serve as an important reminder of our strong connection between beaches and water, which makes up part of Australian life.
What exactly are swimming pools, and why have they come into existence? Unfortunately, both answers can be complex.
Marie-Louise McDermott notes on her website All Into Ocean Pools that there was much recreational and competitive swimming taking place during the early 1800s, with swimming clubs seeking safe places to practice laps without risk of shark attacks arising from rough surf and shark attacks. Therefore, swimming clubs created shallow swimming pools as an answer.
McDermott also notes that when women formed separate clubs in the early 1900s, they were not permitted to use men’s club swimming facilities; rather they were told to utilize sister pool facilities which more suited to them and their families.
These picturesque pools are also immensely popular with tourists, offering a welcome respite from busy beaches. Some pools serve as training facilities for local swim teams while others simply serve as places of rest and rejuvenation. Some belong to private clubs with entry fees while others remain free and accessible by all members of society.
At Bondi Icebergs pool, one woman’s photo quickly caused a social media uproar; many critics called her fat and ugly on social media.
Australian families continue to visit local swimming pools despite the controversy. Organisers at Sydney Pool & Spa Expo claimed visitor numbers had increased by 24 per cent; similar claims were made at its Victorian show.
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