Swimming Through Life: Jacqui Leong’s Journey of Healing and Strength at the Bay Pavilions

For Jacqueline Leong, swimming has always been more than a hobby—it’s been a lifeline. Born in Vanuatu, Jacqui’s childhood was spent surrounded by the ocean, swimming with sea turtles, dugongs, and even sharks. “The ocean is in my blood,” she reflects, recalling her early days on the beach where the waves would deposit seashells at her doorstep.

When Jacqui found her dream home on the South Coast for her retirement, she thought the ocean would remain a constant in her life. However, to her dismay, she discovered that her body temperature could no longer handle the cold ocean waters. For a time, the pools in Moruya and Batemans Bay became her solace, but they were only open for six months of the year. Then, two years ago, the Bay Pavilions opened its doors, providing a year-round aquatic facility. Jacqui immediately became a member, swimming one kilometre a day, every day.

Little did Jacqui know how essential her membership would become. Two years ago, an accident during a dog training session left her bedridden for six weeks with a shattered kneecap. “I was told by my physiotherapist that I’d only regain full knee flexion if I bent my knee beyond the pain threshold—100 times a day,” Jacqui explains. It was the Warm Water pool at the Bay Pavilions that became her healing sanctuary. “The lifeguards knew my name, my struggles, and were always there with sympathy and cheer,” she recalls. Their warmth made all the difference during a tough period in her life.

Over the years, Jacqui has continued to rely on Bay Pavilions for recovery and well-being. From nursing a torn shoulder tendon to easing her Cervical Spondylosis with neck exercises in the warm water, she has seen remarkable improvements. “My physiotherapist said I’d need to keep up these exercises for the rest of my life, and thanks to Bay Pavilions, I’m able to do just that.”

Now, as Jacqui inches closer to her 80th birthday, her goals are far from slowing down. She has set her sights on recovering full muscle mass to prepare for her next big adventure—hiking in the Dolomites in Italy. “A gym membership is next on my list,” Jacqui says with determination. The facilities at Bay Pavilions have been instrumental in helping her maintain the strength and passion for life that defines her.

Jacqui’s story is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the unique support that Bay Pavilions provides. Whether it’s the attentive staff or the state-of-the-art facilities, Jacqui has found the perfect place to keep thriving, well into her golden years.