Coledale jewel almost 100 and going strong

Jan. 8, 2014, 9 p.m.

The Coledale ocean pool is well-used by locals and visitors in all seasons. Pictures: CHRISTOPHER CHAN

MERCURY SERIES - Saltwater sanctuaries

When the tide is high, its easy to overlook the Coledale ocean pool. Carved deep into the rock between the pebbly shore and the wide ocean, it could be mistaken as part of the natural landscape.

That is until you walk a little closer, and notice swimming caps rhythmically bobbing up and down the length of the pool, and groups of young girls in mutilcoloured rash vests perched on the edge before practising their perfect dives.

Like all the Illawarras ocean pools, it is beloved by locals and visitors alike. When the Wollongong citizens panel recommended two or three pools be reduced or run to fail to cut costs for Wollongong City Council, the outcry was swift and strong.

Beau Edwards and Marita Van Dermeys at Coledale rock pools.

No-one wanted the pools to close, with the council sent 360 responses in relation to the suggestion.

Built by volunteers in 1915, the Coledale rock pool has been the swimming spot of choice for many for almost a century.

Some visitors just want to cool off in the shallows, others are more serious about their strokes and continue to swim on frigid winter mornings, steadily tallying lap after lap.

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Coledale jewel almost 100 and going strong