Australia – New South Wales
Beach holidays continued despite concerns that professional sport and even enjoyment of any form of sport or recreation during wartime was disrespectful of the loss of life and casualties associated with the war. The aspiring coastal resorts of Austinmer, and Coledale in the Illawarra developed ocean pools to cater for their residents, attract more visitors and promote the sales of coastal property.
In 1915, Fanny Durack set a new women’s world record for swimming 500 yards at the Newcastle Ocean Baths. American swimmers, Duke Kahanamoku (the 1912 Olympic champion), and George Cunha performed at the Newcastle Ocean Baths during their tour of Australasia.