Long Tan Legends Masters Swimming Club

The latest making waves article on one of the North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club member Pierre. Looking forward to seeing him and other sinkers in action at the MSQ Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships at the Long Tan Pool.

🏊‍♂️ What starts with one lap can lead to extraordinary adventures.

When North Mackay Sinkers swimmer Pierre Craven joined Masters Swimming to improve his health, he never imagined he'd one day be taking on some of Queensland's toughest open water challenges.

From completing the MSA Endurance 1000 program and swimming millions of metres, to conquering the Magnetic Island to Townsville swim, Pierre is now preparing for his biggest challenge yet – a 20km circumnavigation of Keppel Island.

His story is proof that it's never too late to set ambitious goals, embrace new challenges, and discover what you're truly capable of.

As we count down to the 2026 MSQ State Championships in Townsville, we're proud to share Pierre's inspiring story in the latest edition of Making Waves in the North.

📖 Read more:
https://mastersswimmingqld.org.au/making-waves-in-the-north-pierre-craven/



North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club

Last chance to enter and be a part of a wonderful State Championship celebrating 50 years of MSQ Masters Swimming Queensland

2026 MSQ State Championships · Townsville 16 to 19 July 2026 · Long Tan Memorial Pool, Townsville · Winter in the tropics

Not exactly the run up to the State Championships we wanted…

We will be training at 9am on Monday the 6th July. There will be no training next Wednesday 8th July.

💦 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗹 - 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 📢

Long Tan Memorial Pool will be 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟳 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆, and the 𝟱𝟬𝗺 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟴 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆. These closures are to allow for the safe reinstallation of the swim wall into the 50m pool.

We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. ✨

Just a heads up. The pool will be closed Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th June, for handover. LTL Masters Training will be back on Wednesday afternoon. See you there!

Great to see some publicity about the MSQ Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships and 50th anniversary celebrations in the Bulletin

We are nearly there! Entries open 10am Monday, for MSQ Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships here in Townsville, at our home Long Tan Memorial Pool.

If you haven't renewed your Masters Swimming Membership or you have been debating joining, Monday is the perfect day as the 6month membership open up then as well :)

Interested in open water swimming. JB is sharing some of what TOWSA has to offer this open water swimming season, with the first swim just a week away. The ship to shore will be a great closing event to the MSQ Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships here in Townsville. So many options to enjoy the water, catch up with like minded people, stay fit, have fun and celebrate together.

🌊 OPEN WATER SWIMMING IN NQ 🌊

From ferry jumps to the iconic Magnetic Island crossing, Townsville’s open water swimmers are gearing up for a massive season on the water.

The Townsville Open Water Swimming Association (TOWSA) says excitement is building ahead of several major events across the coming weeks and months, with swimmers of all ages and abilities preparing to hit Cleveland Bay.

Speaking with Northern Grandstand host Grant Bell, TOWSA President John Barrett said the events continue to attract everyone from seasoned competitors to first-time ocean swimmers, with the association focused on building participation, fitness and community spirit.

With calm winter conditions, stunning coastal scenery and a packed calendar ahead, organisers say there’s never been a better time to dive into open water swimming in North Queensland.

🏊‍♂️ UPCOMING TOWSA EVENTS 🏊‍♀️

📅 Sunday, May 31
🌊 Pool to Pool
⏰ Registration from 6:15am | Event starts 7:00am
📍 From the Strand Rockpool to Tobruk Pool
🏅 1km and 2km ocean swim options

📅 Sunday, July 19
🚢 Ship to Shore
⏰ Registration from 6:15am
📍 Jump from the Sealink ferry and swim to The Strand
🏅 1.5km and 3km options

📅 Saturday, August 15
🏝️ Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim
📍 Picnic Bay to The Strand
🏅 8km solo, duo and team challenge across Cleveland Bay

Hi Legends,

Just a friendly reminder that there will not be any training tonight. Fingers crossed the wall comes out this time :)

See you for training on Monday afternoon.

⚠️ Important Notice, Wednesday 20th May ⚠️

Due to additional maintenance works being completed by Townsville City Council, along with the postponed dividing wall removal, Long Tan Memorial Pool operations will be affected on Wednesday 20th May.

Unfortunately, this maintenance was rescheduled at short notice and will impact Wednesday afternoon Learn to Swim lessons and facility operations.

All affected Love2Swim School families will receive a makeup lesson/credit applied to their accounts.

We sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while these important works are completed. 💙

For any questions, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 4728 3398

Another opportunity for a wee but if competition along with fun and connection.

Only 10 days until Entries close for the Cairns Mudcrabs Short Course Swim Meet!!
Did you know that entries are open to all swimmers over 18 years of age? So why not bring a friend or two? (Just buy a Masters membership for the day - ie a guest membership)

This is a great opportunity to swim some events, get a time, have some fun, and meet some friends. We will also be providing a yummy afternoon tea and pizza afterwards - great value for only $35 (members) or $40 non-members (plus fees).

Link to the meet guide, including how to enter will be in the comments.

MSQ Masters Swimming Queensland
Masters Swimming Australia
Gordonvale Aquatic Centre

Just a reminder that there is no training tonight as the pool is closed.

FACILITY CLOSURE NOTICE 🚧

Long Tan Memorial Pool will be closed Wednesday 6th May 2026

This includes:
• Squads
• Love2Swim School

The closure is required for the removal of the dividing wall in the 50m pool.

A make-up lesson has been added to your file for all Love2Swim School and Squad members.

We appreciate your understanding while these works are completed and look forward to welcoming everyone back once the facility reopens.

If you have any questions, please contact us on [email protected]
or 4728 3398.