Swimming laps at Darkan pool a morning ritual, source of exercise and friendship

Mary Dew has been swimming at the Darkan pool since it opened in 1994. (ABC Great Southern: Peter Barr)

The West Australian town of Darkan is hours from any beach but for nearly 30 years a group of locals have met at the local pool seeking friendship and exercise. 

Since the pool's opening in 1994, Mary Dew has started her mornings with a swim.

The ritual has grown into the The 6:30 Swimmers — a small group of predominantly older people seeking some morning laps.

The 6.30 Swimmers meet each weekday morning for a swim. (ABC Great Southern: Peter Barr)

"It is part of the community, we're just a little group on our own," Mrs Dew said.

"It's wonderful in the morning, it sets you up for the day."

The farming town two and a half hours south-east of Perth has a population of about 400 and is no stranger to small groups.

The pool, located on school grounds, is operated by the Shire on Education Department-owned land. (ABC Great Southern: Peter Barr)

"There were eight here the other day and that was crowded," Mrs Dew said.

Special access

While the swimmers are few, it's for good reason.

Because there is no lifeguard on duty only those who pass the Shire's water safety test can have a pool access key. 

There are between 50 to 100 keyholders at any one time.

The Shire's Amy White is in charge of putting people through their paces.

Amy White has not had to fail anyone on the water safety test so far. (ABC Great Southern: Tim Wong-See)

She said the water safety test was equivalent to a Bronze Medallion course from Surf Lifesaving Australia.

"They actually partner up and save each other so it can be a laugh sometimes," Ms White said.

While she hasn't failed anyone on the test she has warned some who were a "borderline" pass.

The Darkan pool doesn't make enough money to employ a lifeguard. (ABC Great Southern: Peter Barr)

Non-keyholders can still access the pool accompanied by a keyholder and Ms White said it was not just The 6.30 Swimmers who love the water.

"It's a fitness thing, it's a catch-up area, the kids absolutely love it."

Unauthorised swims

Despite some of the flexibility about access rules, some non-keyholders have attempted break-ins.

"We do have that issue every now and again," Ms White said.

Keyholder or not, perhaps it's hard to resist a swim on hot days.

Vin Fordham Lamont says he's proud the small shire can operate the pool. (ABC Great Southern: Tim Wong-See)

"In summer, people think, 'Well we're down south, we don't get hot days in summer' but of course we do … high 30s, occasional 40," said Shire CEO Vin Fordham Lamont.

While locals are working hard to reopen the currently closed Darkan pub Mr Fordham Lamont said the pool was serving as a great meeting place.

He said he was proud of what the town could achieve.

"We're a small local government, we have limited resources but we've found a way to be able to provide this service."