Jane Spring

About 18°C, drizzling rain and a grey, overcast morning but 1.1 km in the ocean with Lindsay and the Lizards at Avoca Beach made for the perfect way to kick off my Daffodil Dip for Cancer Council. Every minute in the water was worth it.

This morning’s swim was my first for the Daffodil Dip fundraiser for Cancer Council, and despite the cold, rain and grey skies, it was absolutely worth it.

A huge thank you to the Lizards swimming group for making it possible. Lindsay and a younger member of Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club helped me into one of the club’s beach wheelchairs and down to the sheltered southern corner near the rock pool. From there I swam out to the rock ledge, where I met Lindsay and the local Lizards. One swimmer had just spotted a Port Jackson shark, while I was lucky enough to see two magnificent blue groupers.

After some time in the water, I headed back in. The rip was strong, so I looped around before swimming across to the break. Lindsay met me in the shallows to help, and for the final stretch I climbed onto a board for a paddle in, otherwise the current would have taken me straight back out.

Thank you also to my husband, Murray, for braving the cold and rain to help me down the hill to the Club. 

Afterwards, I had a chat with the President of Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club. With 1,340 members, the club is bursting at the seams and truly at the heart of the Avoca community. It’s heavily used by locals and visitors, and there’s a big need for more storage and expanded public amenities. I hope it receives local government support to continue growing.

Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the club for providing three beach wheelchairs. They make it possible for people with disability to access and enjoy the ocean, even on days like today when the rip is strong. From getting me into the water, to helping me back across the sand and to the surf club for a quick hose off, the support made all the difference.

Accessible equipment is essential and then it is people who make inclusion happen. Thank you to everyone who helped me enjoy a beautiful swim and start my Daffodil Dip fundraising in the best possible way.