Angie is a local ocean swimmer who is passionate about her morning lap across the bay, and the creatures she encounters along the way. Angie regularly posts pictures of her marine friends on her Instagram page, and in this month's blog she tells us why it's so important to learn about our big blue backyard, and to protect ocean health.
Who is Angie Swims – how often do you swim and where?
Hi I’m Angie. You might have come across my Instagram page - Angie.swims.
I’m a regular at Bondi Beach, swimming most mornings depending on conditions. Having an inkling that the ocean would be more adventurous than the pool had been, and the salt water would be less damaging to my hair and skin, I found myself out in the big blue after a lifetime of 50-meter laps.
Greynurse Shark, Carcharias taurus Rafinesque
How long have you been immersing yourself in Waverley’s Marine Environment? How does it make you feel?
Five years ago, I met local swim group Bondi Swimblers, who have been monumental in supporting my transition from lane-ropes and black lines to the full force of Mother Nature. The first time I was subjected to the ocean I felt like Bambi learning to walk. The combination of wind chop, swell (which took me years to get comfortable with) sighting as not to end up in Tassie, and the forever looming big dark shadow beneath you that isn’t there, was invigorating! I was shaken but I was hooked.
What are some of your favourite animals that you have encountered on your swims?
In my years of swimming, I have officially become obsessed with Waverley’s marine environment, that well and truly exceeds any expectations I would have had for a city beach. I start my days swimming with patterned wobbegongs or Port Jacksons, timid grey nurse sharks, rays the size of coffee tables and playful dolphins, to name a few. I try to stay neutral and avoid having favourites, but I’ve certainly developed a pattern of being more excited for the bigger species.
I share what I see on my Instagram page angie.swims as a homage to the spectacular marine life in our backyard. Being an educator, I see first-hand the care that can brew from knowledge. There’s so much to see under the sea, and I want people to realise that, especially those who don’t have the opportunity to get in the water often. I think my videos are reminders of the importance of ocean health and how fortunate we can be when we take care of our blue backyard. I want people to feel connected to the marine life, to preserve it.
Eastern Fiddler Ray - Trygonorrhina fasciata
Have you noticed any changes in the water quality or the species you see?
Considering how close we are to a major global city, the water quality off Bondi Beach is really good and visibility is generally excellent. In the years I’ve been swimming, while I can’t say I have noticed any patterns amongst the marine life, I think it’s clear that if the biodiversity is neglected, I won’t be starting my mornings with greetings from greys nurse sharks and wobbegongs. Waverly council certainly prioritises ocean health with initiatives such as the upcoming marine BioBlitz, and evidently through the vote to remove the shark nets.
Does anything worry you when you’re out swimming in the bay?
Sometimes, but it’s situational and depends on the week I’m having. But I will say I make sure I stay educated and smart about shark activity. I understand the minimal risks with ocean swimming and follow the advice from experts. For example, I avoid murky water, solo swimming in the early hours of the morning, bait balls and spear-fishers… seems smart to veer away from the ones holding all the bait.
Port Jackson Shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni
What can people do to take care of the marine environment?
There are simple things, like making sure that you don’t contribute to plastic pollution entering the water, which is about responsibly managing our litter and waste while on land and near the coast.
Then there are bigger things that you can get involved with. I have been a part of the fight for the removal of shark nets, having seen the damage they cause to the local sea-life. I have contributed as a citizen scientist to the Spot A Shark project.
I am supporting the Waverley Marine BioBlitz to help record and identify species along the coastline of our neighbourhoods. I encourage others to do the same, as this data can be used to educate, expand knowledge of local marine life, and further conservation efforts.
Find out how you can get involved in the Waverley Marine BioBlitz.
Links to learn more:
- Watch the BioBlitz "Get Ready" Webinar
- Join the iNaturalist Marine BioBlitz page
- Download Sharksmart NSW app
- Marine Estate Agents education program
- Ocean Lovers Festival Talks
