local group has a member base which is just as committed.

The Corks, as they are known in the swimming community, head to the Wellington Pool each morning to get their daily exercise, however with numbers dwindling in the past few years, they are now calling on others to join them.

Corks president John Robinson said with only three weeks remaining until the pool closed for the season, now was a great time to get a taste of what the group was all about.

“We come down to the pool rain, hail or shine,” he said.

“There’s even been the odd frost when we’ve been in, really the only time we don’t go in is when there is lightning.”

The group was given their name by pool manager Mick Austin because members don’t do laps, instead they bob up and down from side to side in the pool, catching up on gossip as they go.

“That’s (the gossip) is part of the attraction of being a cork,” Mr Robinson said.

“I started coming down in 1999 and when I first started swimming there were probably about 15 members,” Mrs Robinson said.

“Since then some have left town, others have passed away and some just are not coming.

“I don’t know why they are not coming, but it would be great to see a few more people down here before the pool closes.”

The corks hit the pool for about 30 to 45 minutes each morning and as long as you stay at the shallow end of the pool you do not even have to be a strong swimmer.

“It starts the morning off well, I always feel better after a swim,” he said.

“We give way to the lappers to avoid a collision.

“We also hold about four barbecues a year, that’s when the corks and the lappers get together.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Cork is encouraged to head to the swimming pool anytime between 6am and 7.30am.