MELBOURNE swimming trio the Salty Seabathers took to the Illawarra and South Coast's ocean pools last week - and are convinced the area has the best ocean baths in Australia.
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Group spokesperson and former Port Kembla woman Narelle Crux said the group's week-long odyssey highlighted things that locals probably don't realise.
"Ocean pools are such an important part of the community and landscape," Mrs Crux said.
"In fact, I think a lot of people who live on the coast don't appreciate just how lucky they are to have such a beautiful facility, often in walking distance from their homes."
She organised the salty adventure as a bit of fun and was joined by two good friends from Victoria, as well as a number of Wollongong swimmers.
They dove into two pools a day, aiming to swim at least a kilometre in each.
The group, who are on holiday in the Illawarra, are visiting every ocean bath from the northern Illawarra to Kiama and never thought they would generate such publicity.
"It's amazing how many people know what we are doing now," Mrs Crux said.
"I had a phone call from someone from the Shellharbour Dolphins who wanted us to join in with their group, but unfortunately it didn't fit in with our schedule.
"The whole experience has been so enjoyable that we might make this a regular thing.
"Who knows, next time we might try to generate the publicity beforehand and get more people involved."
The ladies, Narelle and her friends Ann Paul and Lucy Healey, have been conducting their own survey at each pool, but said the information was strictly for their own use, just in case they created some inter-pool rivalry.
"They all have their good points, from the naturally formed pool at Kiama to the magnificent cliffs at Coalcliff and in between," Mrs Crux said.
"They all have their natural charm."