Cory set to dive into top job at Bay Pavilions swim school

Swim school enrolments are being taken ahead of the opening of the new Bay Pavilions aquatic, arts and leisure centre in Batemans Bay and Cory Dimmer is ready to dive into the top job.

The head of the swim school has been working with Royal Lifesaving to develop the centre’s Swim and Survive program at the Eurobodalla Shire Council facility.

After commencing his swim teaching career at the age of 16, Cory taught throughout Europe and Australia before moving to the Eurobodalla with his wife Sonya 20 years ago and teaching at pools in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma.

For 13 years he ran swimming lessons from a 15-m indoor pool in his backyard at Long Beach.

When the pandemic hit two years ago, Cory’s swim school struggled to get by.

“It was really difficult running the business on my own whilst navigating Covid – it knocked me more than anything,” he said.

When he heard about the Bay Pavilions, he wanted to be part of it and took the opportunity to lead a team and build the new swim school.

“I wanted to be involved in the Bay Pavilions because I knew how great it was going to be for the community and would provide more kids the opportunity to swim,” Cory said.

“Swim classes at pools in our shire have been at capacity for some years. I have known people to wait for two years to get into a swim class in Batemans Bay.”

Excited for the opening in June, Cory said enrolments are now being taken, with the first 500 students set to receive a free swim pack.

He said given the number of the region’s lakes, rivers and beaches, being able to swim is “a number one priority parents should make for their kids”.

“Swimming lessons work in conjunction with other sporting activities and shouldn’t be put on the back burner,” he said.

“Whether adult or child, everyone should be able to swim 400 m to get themselves out of trouble – you’ll have a better chance of survival.”

Cory said over the years, his swimming background endeared him to a lot of people.

“When I was travelling, I could always find a job because I could communicate well with kids and adults,” he said.

“Swim teaching and squad coaching is my niche and what I am good at.”

He said it was a humbling feeling to teach generations valuable life skills.

“Seeing parents I taught sign up their kids – that’s what makes you feel old,” he laughed.

“But it’s really cool and rewarding to know I have played a part in their lives, teaching people how to be safe around the water.”

To enrol or learn more visit the Bay Pavilions’ swim school website.