Stanwell Park Sea Eels is a winter swimming club located in the picturesque town of Stanwell Park, within the Wollongong City Council area. The club was established in April 1989, following a notice posted by Phil Anger on the Helensburgh Stanwell Park SLSC seeking individuals interested in forming a winter swimming club.
The inaugural meeting, attended by 19 members of the Helensburgh Stanwell Park SLSC, determined the name and colours of the club and elected a core group of office bearers. The first swim took place on April 16, 1989, at Coalcliff sea pool, with 33 swimmers enjoying good water temperatures. Throughout the season, membership grew to 59 swimmers, with an average attendance of 30 swimmers each Sunday.
Stanwell Park Sea Eels is proud to have competed at every South Coast Championship and has only missed a few Australian Championships due to the expense of travelling, particularly to Western Australia. The club stands out in the South Coast Association, as it is one of only two clubs that allow female swimmers to participate in winter swimming. The other club is Bulli Sea Lions, and the two clubs enjoy an annual visit from each other in celebration of their shared interest. However, despite numerous attempts, the club has struggled to have its female swimmers officially included in the South Coast Championships due to opposition from the other clubs.
While the club has achieved success in competitions, including winning gold medals through exceptional swimmers like John Stacpoole and Vivienne Moxham-Hall and participating in 10-person nominated time relays, the primary focus of Stanwell Park Sea Eels is on fun, camaraderie, and enjoying a sociable time at the bar. The club is known for its social atmosphere and warmly invites other clubs to join them in socialising.
Local swim times take place at Coalcliff pool, located on Patison Road in Coalcliff. The swims commence at 9am on the first Sunday following Anzac Day, continuing until the week prior to the Australian Championships in September. The club welcomes swimmers of all genders and ages, as long as they can swim 25 metres unassisted.
For more information about joining Stanwell Park Sea Eels or any inquiries, interested individuals can visit the Stanwell Park surf club website or contact the club's president, Peter McDonald, the secretary, Phil Kelly, or the club captain, Barry McGuiness. The club also encourages individuals to check out their official website for additional details.
Overall, Stanwell Park Sea Eels is a vibrant and inclusive winter swimming club that offers a welcoming and social environment for individuals of all swimming abilities. Whether one is an experienced winter swimmer or looking to try it out for the first time, the club provides an opportunity to enjoy the invigorating experience of winter swimming while fostering friendships and camaraderie. Join them and discover the joy of winter swimming!