The swimmers all wore black armbands as they swam out from the beach catching the rip tide along the north side of the breakwall, getting swept back into the inlet through the Narooma bar crossing on incoming tide.

Wal would have loved it, as the water was still around the 20-degree mark and there was a record 25 swimmers of all ages and shapes.

He was one of the founding members of the swimming club when it started back in 2007 and enjoyed taking a dip when his health allowed.

A retired ambulance paramedic, Wal at age 60 was also a very active member of the Narooma Men’s Shed, being instrumental in the design and construction of the Christmas whale decoration project.

Members of the Men’s Shed were shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.

He has already been privately cremated and his funeral notice in typical Wally humour has the line “I told you I was sick”.

There will be a wake at Club Dalmeny this Friday at 1pm and all are welcome to remember and celebrate the life of Wal.

Blue Balls swim the harbour

NSPIRED by the Numnut's Narooma breakwater swim, the Bermagui Blue Balls ventured from Blue Pools to Moreheads Beach last Sunday.

Twelve brave swimmers entered the 19 degree water wading out making more of a wave than the Pacific Ocean could muster.

Rounding the northern breakwater the incoming tide was surprisingly a few degrees warmer bringing with it a huge spectrum of sea life.

Those swimmers with goggles raved about garfish, bream, blackfish, flathead and baitfish.

All eyes were out for the resident 2m wide bull ray that feeds off scraps from passing fishing boats.

The colder water brings even more varieties of fish so coming weeks look to be very stimulating before our traditional Bundy nip, chilli soup and schooner at Dave's Bermi Pub.

Bermagui Gelati scoop of the week went to Robert Johnson who is bulking up for the colder weather ahead.

Bring your togs, courage and sense of humour every Sunday at 9am at the Blue Pools.