As many may find swims at suburban pools less appealing, for certain individuals it can provide much-needed respite and relaxation from everyday stressors. Michael Easton of Sydney says swimming pools have always been part of his identity and are important parts of connecting with their community and decompressing; “it probably goes back to when I was still in utero; water has an intrinsically comforting quality which helps one relax after an emotionally draining day; even on difficult days you run a bath to unwind!”
Mary Baker explores the significance of swimming pools for Australians in her latest book Swimming Pools, chronicling their stories of socialisation, playfulness, exercise, family connection and romance. Baker features multiple voices in the book such as environmentalist Tim Flannery to fashion designers Romance Was Born to author Christos Tsiolkas and Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe as she highlights that pools provide places where we go naturally to unwind and laugh together. For Baker these urban oasis pools provide us with places where our minds can go free!
Mount Druitt Reservoir Pool in western Sydney stands out as an exceptional Australian pool, where residents gather annually to swim and watch movies under the stars during its popular “Dive In” event. Furthermore, its ‘Dive In” serves as a showcase for local talent; such as actor Sam Worthington and musician Paul Kelly starting their careers here.
Cabbage Tree Bay Eco Sculpture Walk rock pool on Sydney’s Northern Beaches exudes community spirit; built by local residents in 1929. This small but well-kept pool, which sits along a promenade between Manly and Shelly beaches, features an iconic Sea Nymphs sculpture on one side – perfect for children, families, or sunset picnics!
As with most ocean pools in the city, visiting early in the day to avoid crowds and take advantage of soft lighting lingering over the water can help ensure optimal photographs. When planning your shots, carefully consider composition and consider different perspectives; sunrise may be preferable than sunset for taking photographs of rockpools due to how quickly light changes once the sun has risen over the horizon.
Are you eager to take a closer look at some of Sydney’s iconic pools? Head out for Sydney’s summer Open Day this weekend (November 12 and 13). Admission is free, with events and activities scheduled in each pool centre as well as workshops, tours of their facility tours by swimming experts as well as talks by experts in each pool facility.