Beach For Beach

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday September 25, 2007

By GED COOPER-JOHNSON and ROWAN HOPKINS

DEDICATED or crazy? That's the question for this man in his fifties.

In winter, most people rug up and turn on a heater. Not this gentleman.

John Beach, the principal of Newcastle East PS, is one of the few dedicated citizens who gets up every morning, winter or summer, to take a swim at Newcastle baths.

Mr Beach considers himself neither completely dedicated nor crazy, but a little bit of both. He enjoys his swims on most days, although on very cold days his motivation to keep going is inspired by the few who continue to brave the waters.

This gruelling routine has been part of Mr Beach's daily schedule for around five years, although it has only been in the past three years that he's gone through winter. He enjoys his swims but also realises how they help him keep fit.

Mr Beach said he intended to keep swimming until he was physically unable to finish a lap.

Mr Beach swims at Newcastle baths, which is one of two saltwater pools in the Newcastle region.

Mr Beach has occasionally ventured to Merewether when his favourite pool has been unavailable.

He prefers Newcastle baths because of the atmosphere and sandy floor. Merewether baths have a concrete floor.