Lathlain mother and son swimming duo Tamara and Bay Bruce.
Camera IconLathlain mother and son swimming duo Tamara and Bay Bruce. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Lathlain mother and son duo to tackle Busselton Jetty Swim

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

SWIMMING was in Tamara Bruce’s blood and it appears it is the same for her nine-year-old son Bay.

The Lathlain duo will look to make a splash when they compete in the Busselton Jetty Swim on February 11.

Ms Bruce was a champion swimmer in her youth, swimming the English Channel in 7 hours and 53 minutes as a 17-year-old in 1994, which is tied for the 14th-fastest crossing ever.

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She also won the solo category at Rottnest Channel Swim as a 14-year-old and was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame last year.

“It’s the first time for both of us to swim together in a competition, usually I’d be coaching or swimming this time of year but I’ve always wanted to do it,” Ms Bruce said.

“Bay will take part in the Kids Swim, which is 222m and I’ll take part in the 3.6km solo event.

“He has been swimming since he was born because my dad (Roger) was an Olympic coach.”

Ms Bruce said swimming was not something that was forced on Bay but he was enjoying being a part of the Somerset Swimming Club and the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club.

“It’s basically the only sport that can save lives and it’s something that’s important in our environment,” she said.

“Bay has shown some talent in some recent surf living saving carnivals and swimming carnivals.

‘I’ll definitely encourage him to continue down the path of swimming.”

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