There are more than 100 ocean pools in New South Wales, each with its own personality. From the tiny, triangular Fairy Bower at Manly to historic Wylie’s at Coogee and the Olympic-sized South Cronulla, they are popular with swimmers of all ages and abilities. Some are public, while others are privately owned and run. The cost of maintaining and developing these pools is often high, but they provide the community with a safe place to swim near the beach.
Often, they are carved into the headlands and filled with ocean water that floods over their edges. They can be crowded with families, especially during holidays, but they are also a haven for the shy and cautious, who may find it harder to brave the waves in the open surf. They are the perfect place to watch the ocean, listen to the birds and relax in the sunshine.
Ocean pools can be found all around Sydney’s coastline, but some are more famous than others. The Bondi Icebergs Pool, for example, is one of Australia’s most iconic swimming spots. This natural rock pool is located at the southern end of Bondi Beach and is set amongst a series of rocky outcrops that provide views and a sense of seclusion. It’s also a great spot to see some of Sydney’s best surfers and is home to many local water polo clubs.
Another well-known ocean pool is Coogee’s Giles Baths, a natural rock pool that has been a favourite of locals since the 1800s. Located nearby are McIver’s Ladies Baths, a popular man-made pool that has been providing women with a private place to swim since the 1870s. Both are part of the Bondi to Coogee Walk, a picturesque coastal walking track that offers stunning seaside views and allows you to visit several ocean pools in one day.
A recent accident at a popular ocean pool is highlighting the dangers of swimming in untreated water and the importance of following pool rules. Last week, an 82-year-old woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after getting into a rip current at the Coogee Beach Ocean Pool, which is surrounded by cliffs and rocky outcrops. The woman was rescued by two rescue boats but the incident highlights the dangers of swimming in untreated water, even when the weather is calm.
Fortunately, the water at Sydney’s ocean pools is treated. They are regularly tested to ensure they meet strict state and national standards for chlorine and pH levels. If they do not, the council is required to close the pool for swimming until it meets these requirements.
But it is not just about the safety of ocean pools, they are also a symbol of our city’s love affair with water. As Jordan explains in her article, each pool has its own character, from the tiny, triangular Fairy Bower in Manly to the historic, historic Wylie’s at Coogee to the Olympic-sized South Cronulla. They are a reminder of our city’s proud aquatic heritage and a testament to the people who have loved the beach and its pools for more than 200 years.