It was a really exciting day at the dam for the Copeton Freshwater Swim 2016 held on April 9. The sun was shining, the temperature perfect and the water a warm 24 degrees. The dam is at 17% capacity, and poor visibility in the water. However a keen and well trained team from the Clarence River Masters Swim Club represented the Lower Clarence. In the 600 meter event swimmers were Karen Campbell, Judy King, Lou Headon, Jan Klein, Mary Saul, Mathew and Sarah Eke. In the 2500 metre event swimmers were Mathew and Sarah Eke, Steve Burton, Belinda Chant, Alan and Jane Lawrence. For the ‘Big’ one, the 5000 meter swimmer….. guess who…… yes, Helmut Klein. And he did it in 2 hours 20 minutes. He came ashore under a Guard of Honour and applause. Once again proving age is no barrier and a wonderful inspiration to the young and not so young. Overall winner of the 5klm swim was 16 year old Scott Simpson and first female was Hunter Hollis. This was the first Copeton Dam swim for Mary Saul and Steve Burton and both did extremely well. Our support crew of members included Ken Adams, Lyn Eke, Lyn McQueen, Clare Ogle, Alan Schofield, and also husbands Greg Saul, David Headon, Warren Campbell and Sarah’s Alan. “Thank you all for keeping us safe and on course.” Said president Jane Lawrence. We would like to thank all the competitors and the spectators for helping make the day a success. The Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club for the lifesaving and first aid on the day, Copeton Swim Committee, Copeton Waters Park and The Rotary Club of Inverell East for all their hard work organising the event. Gai Pritchett