In 2012 Raumati Swimming Club will be 50 years old

Raumati Swimming Club was formed from the surf club, at the end of Tiromaona Road in Raumati South. In 1962 the Raumati pool opened as an outdoor salt water pool. The surf club became more orientated to pool swimming and became Raumati Surf Life Saving and Amateur Swim Club.

In 1971/72, the club,  wanting to train all year round used Alex McKimm’s indoor heated pool. Unfortunatly rising heating costs forced the closure of this pool and all activities were transferred to Cannon’s Creek Pool. In the early days training was two nights a week, progressing to two nights and four mornings.

Wanting to have a pool locally the club began raising funds by selling raffle tickets. Funds were put into a trust, while the council explored sites for a new pool. Eventually the council decided to cover the pool and convert it to freshwater. Raumati swimming pool reopened in 1983 after being closed for six years.

In 1988 funds were obtained through NZI life in the form of a reducing debenture to build the club rooms. In 1998 the debenture was owned in full.

(Pictured swimming Club prize winners, boys Bullock and Kirkup accept their trophy on April 16 1970. Kapiti Observer Collection)

The club supports the building of the new Aquatic centre and members  can be seen helping with fundraising initiatives.

Famous swimmer

Anne Doig is a former freestyle and butterfly swimmer from Raumati Swimming Club who went on to represent New Zealand at 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

Kapiti to Mainland Swim

The swim has been run by the Raumati Swimming Club since 1963. One entrant who has been swimming the yearly event for the past 44 years is Ray Gough. Ray is in his late 60s. He says he still enjoys coming along and participating in the race each year.