Like so many of us, Bobby Lehane had a big goal for 2021 – but his was really big. He wanted to swim in every rock pool in NSW – that’s 100 rock pools from Yamba to Eden, 250 kilometres – and the equivalent of swimming the Bass Strait. He wanted to complete it in 100 days.

And all for a great cause – raising funds and awareness for Lifeline.

Bobby completed the amazing challenge raising over $100,000 for Lifeline Northern Beaches which enabled them to answer 3,576 crisis calls, supporting and saving lives.

Bobby was awarded our Northern Beaches Citizen of the Year after achieving the amazing feat. Read more about Bobby’s incredible story below.

Nominations for our 2023 Australia Day Awards are now open – which incredible local like Bobby should we recognise this year? Nominate them today.

What inspired you to complete 100 swims in 100 days?

I read a newspaper article that talked about the wonderful ocean and rock pools of NSW, it mentioned that they numbered 100 in total. Instantly I thought wouldn’t it be great to swim in every single one of them?

As a late convert to swimming, I could attest to the amazing physical and mental health benefits, and I thought that if I could capture people’s imagination with the swimathon then they may be encouraged to participate and enjoy similar benefits. RockThePool was born.

Why did you choose Lifeline as your charity to fundraise for?

I had a unique insight into Lifeline through my wife who is a Financial Counsellor with Lifeline. Through her, I understand the important and lifesaving work they do.

Were there any moments where you didn’t think you could complete your 100 swims? What helped you push through?

Honestly no, there was not. Every day I got up to swim was a joy, I had an amazing sense of purpose throughout which kept me going. Not only the purpose around the adventure which was truly life-changing but the mental health awareness it was helping to raise and the funds that were being generated for Lifeline meant I never once thought I wouldn’t complete it.  

What do you feel most proud of in completing your swims and fundraising for Lifeline?

Achieving a somewhat ridiculous goal of swimming in every rock pool in NSW. Getting many friends and former colleagues to take themselves out of their comfort zone, and of course raising over 100k for Lifeline reflecting a very generous community.

How did it feel when you heard you had become the Northern Beaches Citizen of the Year?

Well I didn’t undertake RockThePool for any reward or recognition, and initially, I was a little bit embarrassed. I know so many people who do so much more for our communities. Once I got over that I was genuinely delighted. It was a very pleasant surprise.

Did winning the award make you feel like you had been recognised for your work?

The privilege of completing my swims was all I needed. I like to think the award helped to highlight the importance of Lifeline in our community and of being able to talk about mental health and the role regular physical exercise can play in maintaining our mental health.  

What would you say to someone thinking about nominating their local hero for the award?

Definitely do it. They may not be seeking it or contemplating it, but it can inspire the next wave of heroes as well as it being a real honour.

Any plans for any other fundraising challenges soon? Tell us about it!

Through RockThePool I’ve come in contact with the wonderful people who run The Head Above Water Swimathon, so I’m definitely planning on both participating in the swim and fundraising for that as it approaches. In addition, I’m trying to think of another RockPool-oriented challenge that might encourage more community participation. Stay tuned!

Nominations for our 2023 Australia Day Awards are now open. Nominate an outstanding local or community event that makes the Northern Beaches a better place.