Guardian Life & Style (US) • Jan. 6, 2026, 11:44 a.m.

<p>I’ve swum and squealed alongside enormous blue gropers, tiny stingrays, silver and striped fish and even a Port Jackson shark</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/series/summer-essentials">More summer essentials</a></p></li></ul><p>I’ve wanted to be an ocean swimmer ever since I moved to Sydney. The idea of getting out past the waves and braving the elements excited me.

I would tell anyone who would listen: “Once I live closer to the beach, I’m going to be out there. Just you wait.”</p><p>I’ve lived walking distance to the beach for more than a year now.

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