Saturday 14 February 2009

Coogee 2 - The Women's Pool


The Women's pool, formally known as McIvers Pool, is the sole surviving single-sex pool in NSW, if not Australia. A man took the matter to the Anti Discrimination Board, however the Council was granted an exemption to continue to operate it for women only, given that there are 2 other mixed pools within a few metres.

The pool offers a safe, popular and relatively private bathing spot for Christian and other nuns, Muslim women, lesbians, and those who like to swim in privacy, including women with disabilities and some pregnant women.

The pool has been used by women bathers since the 1860s. Mina Wylie trained in this pool before swimming her way to a silver medal in the 1912 Olympics, the first Olympics with swimming events for women.

PS One eagle-eyed reader noted yesterday that not all my photos have been taken on the days published, because it's been raining the last few days in Sydney. So true. Unfortunately, because I work full-time, my photographic excursions are mainly confined to the weekends. Bring on retirement (or that big lottery win!)

Also, to people expressing concern about the bushfires: they haven't featured on SDP because the worst have been hundreds of kilometres from Sydney...but they have certainly brought a sense of shock to everyone in the country and many overseas)

13 comments:

  1. Wow those are great shots, thanks for sharing.

    Have a great weekend!
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

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  2. Adore the image. The women have a beautiful pool. Surprised tho it got thru the anti-discrimination even tho there are two mixed pools nearby. On the other hand, think that a very sensitive and sensible decision particularly thinking of Muslim ladies etc.

    I think we all post photographs that aren't taken that day. Goodness, how could we go out each day and take photos. I know I couldn't. I take a batch and then use them for awhile and yes, like you, go back in the archives when weather is bad, etc.

    Nathalie arrives today, Sally. Doubtless you and your lovely family will enter our conversation. Am so excited to be finally meeting her.

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  3. Left a message for you on Menton DP. Jx

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  4. What a lovely idea having a women's pool. Keep up the good work, I really enjoy looking at your pictures.

    Best of luck with the lottery!

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  5. Thanks for your good wishes, I'm sure we'll have a ripper of a time Jx and I, despite the weather forecast being not very good.

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  6. I was surprised the ladies could retain their exclusive use of the pool in these times. Seems like there is no exclusive anything.

    Brookville Daily Photo

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  7. An interesting concept, and I'm glad they succeeded in keeping it for themselves, as you describe it. Lovely picture.

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  8. Love your photos.

    Well, there are 'women only' gyms around now for the same reasons that this pool is for The Ladies only.

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  9. I like the idea of a women-only pool! Our light rail system has a car reserved for women, seniors and children and I always use it.

    We're the same with our photos :)

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  10. cool pool, its unique! nice series during the heat wave.

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  11. A lovely shot of my favourite place in Sydney - I swam here a couple of times a week at least. It's so peaceful in the evening when everyone leaves and the birds come to fish around you while you swim. Bliss:)

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  12. hope you dont mind, I linked to your blog with your great photos.
    http://shesayslike.blogspot.com/
    Happy 2011
    Elizabeth

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  13. Hi Elizabeth - no I don't mind at all. Happy New Year!

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