Fremantle Shivering Shags looking for more members to chill out with

SUNDAY mornings in winter are a time most would love to be tucked away in bed.

But a local swimming club is encouraging people to brave the frosty weather for a weekly plunge with its band of members.

The Fremantle Shivering Shags meet every Sunday morning between April and September at Bicton Pool for a swim and breakfast.

The tradition began four decades ago as a recovery session for a mix of local athletes, but quickly grew into a more social gathering.

Now, on the eve of the club’s 43rd year, they want others to throw off the covers and dive in.

Long-time shag and former president Mark Regan admitted the mornings were cold – and getting colder.

But he said it was worth it for a laugh with friends.

“Once you get in, because it’s so cold, you swim faster,” he joked.

“We’re in a hurry to get out.”

The club’s youngest member is 19 and its oldest 92.

Mr Regan said the diversity of backgrounds brought the club together.

“There’s a general camaraderie among the guys. It’s really a men’s club on Sunday,” he said.

The club holds multiple social functions each year.

But with plenty of former athletes among its ranks, they still get to exercise their competitive streaks during annual state championships held at HBF Stadium.

The Shags compete against the Cottesloe Crabs, Somerset Sea Snakes and Beatty Park Bears.

For information, email john.moore2016@hotmail.com.

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