Origins of swim club
In 1958, Mr OG Huxley and his daughter Carmen, both qualified learn-to-swim instructors, consulted Mr J Plumb, headmaster at Ettalong Primary School, with a view to conducting learn-to-swim classes at Ettalong Beach.
Then notices were sent to the parents of all children attending Ettalong Public School.
As a result a total of 858 children were either taught to swim or had their actions styled.
Two members of the Men's Premiers Club Newcastle made their cars available to carry some of the 26 instructors from the Newcastle Premiers Club to Ettalong on six consecutive Saturdays.
A public address system was set up on the beach to control the learn-to-swim candidates.
About March 1958, only 12 pupils attended Learn to Swim at Ettalong Beach.
In October 1958, it was decided to transfer the classes to Woy Woy tidal pool.
The first Woy Woy people to qualify as learn-to-swim instructors were Ms Tonkiss and Ms Smith.
In a subsequent group, Ms Marsh, who became a life member of Woy Woy Club, qualified.
Shire president Barrett called a public meeting at the Ettalong Memorial Hall in February 1959 to form the Woy Woy Swim Club.
About 20 people attended and 12 accepted office.
First officers were president OG Huxley, secretary treasurer Vince Sinclair, chief learn-to-swim instructor Ms Tonkiss and assistant learn-to-swim instructor Ms Marsh.
Woy Woy Rotary Club made swimming equipment one of its projects.
Gosford Swimming Club donated old lane ropes and Gosford Shire Council provided floodlighting for the tidal baths at Woy Woy so there could be races.
Detective Sergeant Allen helped train officials in the conduct of swimming races.
The average entry during the last month of the 1958 to 1959 swimming season was about 70.
Mr Richard Swancott and his wife Pat, together with Sergeant Keenan assisted with the starting and control of races.
Woy Woy Swim Club commemoration 1978
Otto Huxley, Ettalong