Published on Tuesday, 15 March 2022 at 10:02:30 AM
Our March Member of the Month is another very loyal morning swimmer, David Bentley.
David has been swimming at Beatty Park most mornings since he retired 15 years ago. He’s part of a big mob of morning swimmers who’ve become such great friends over the years, they even have an annual Christmas party!
We spoke to David about swimming and socialising at Beatty Park.
What’s your fitness routine like?
When I was younger I used to surf and play a lot of rugby, so I did a lot of running. I’m 78 in June, so that’s hard now on the joints.
I walk for an hour in the pool, swim for half an hour and do a few squats and push-ups in the pool.
I think I’ve gotten fitter as I’ve gotten older. When I was younger, I had to be fit – but now I’m having to put more into it.
I still go to the rugby club and play golf as well. I’ve got a house in Subi and there’s always something to do around the house.
How long has swimming been part of your routine?
I swam when I was younger as part of surfing, but I really got into when I retired. I’ve been retired for 15 years and I’ve been swimming here for 15 years.
I used to do a bit of everything but now I just do freestyle. I usually use the fast lane.
I’ve had a few collisions with the lane ropes but that’s inevitable!
How do you feel when you’re in the water?
Relaxed. Very relaxed. I’m not thinking about anything and I’m just cruising.
What are some of your memories of Beatty Park?
I’ve come down to a few concerts here in the 70s – can’t remember who. I might’ve been to Miss West Coast here, too.
Seeing some of the posters around here brings back memories.
Most of my memories of Beatty Park are from the last 15 years and the friends I’ve made here.
Tell me about some of the friends you’ve made swimming?
There’s a good mob of people down here. We’ve always gotten on. Lots of them are women. My wife comes twice a week, we come separately though as I start earlier – she does one hour and I do two.
Richard comes down too – I’d come across him many years ago when I was working, didn’t realise that until speaking to him here as we looked a bit different back in those days!
They're a good mob. We all socialise and go for coffee and enjoy each other’s company. We organise a Christmas party which is good fun.
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