Swimming veteran Noel Saxton swims to keep fit, stay social and break records.

The 86-year-old trains most mornings at Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre, swimming lengths with a squad of up to nine others.

With over 50 years with Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ), Noel says he’s swam most of his life and is continuously setting himself new goals.

“Untypically for my generation I had regular pool training throughout childhood, albeit in the unheated 50-yard New Plymouth seawater baths which were filled and emptied at each tide,” Noel says.

“I’ve always had a goal of doing well at Masters World Athletics Champs. I try to make new records and find myself constantly setting new goals - I thoroughly enjoy it.”

Noel’s Surf Live Saving started with Old Boys at Oakura, New Plymouth, followed by a time with Island Bay in Wellington, and over the past several decades he was posted at Christchurch’s Taylors Mistake.

His days are now predominantly spent training at Jellie Park, where he spends the early hours of the morning in the water.

“By the time I’ve walked to the pool, spent a few hours swimming laps, had a coffee with my swimming mates and walked home, half the day is gone,” Noel says.

“I swim because I love it – I love the challenge of competitions, and it’s a great way to keep fit.”

Noel’s awards over the years range from Surf Live Saving to swim competitions, including New Zealand records at Fina World Swim Masters in Australia (2008) and Italy (2012) in Freestyle and Individual Medley, and 2nd 4th and 5th placings in the 3km Open Water swims at Fina World Masters in Christchurch (2002), Perth (2008) and Riccione, Italy (2012).

Noel also received the Jasi Masters Swim Club Swimmer of the Year for 2000, 2007 and 2008, and the Jasi Masters Swim Club Paul McStay Trophy in 2023.

Noel’s go-to swimming spot for an outdoor dip is his old stomping ground at Taylors Mistake, or the Jellie Park outdoor pools over the summer period.

“The outdoor facilities are fantastic, I love the opportunity to carry out my training in the open air – whatever the weather,” Noel says.

The Council’s summer and paddling pools are open until 30 March 2025.