Former mayor reflects on Pier to Pub journey

A FORMER Surf Coast Shire mayor will make his return to the waters of Loutitt Bay for a sixth time at this year’s Pier to Pub.

Former councillor and Bellbrae resident David Bell will take on the famous Lorne Surf Life Saving Club swim on Saturday, January 13, an event he says has a special place in his heart.

“It’s a lovely swim,” Mr Bell said.

“I really learnt how much of an impact this event has on the identity of Lorne during my time as councillor and as mayor.

“The surf club is and always has been central part of the town and given my history with the race it’s something I look forward to each year.”

Mr Bell’s history with the Pier to Pub dates back to January 2018, when he completed his first Pier to Pub swim nine months after he suffered a heart attack the previous March.

Mr Bell admitted he felt less than average for several months following the heart attack, but eventually got back in the pool to get his fitness up.

The scariest part of the incident for Bell was the ambulance trip to University Hospital, where he thought he saw a flashing white light – thankfully it was only a speed camera.

The now-owner of Bellbrae Organics and Torquay Central Farmers Market was elected as Surf Coast Shire mayor in October 2017, shortly before the Lorne surf club asked him to speak at the 2018 Pier to Pub.

“A month after I ended up as mayor, the Lorne surf club got in touch asking if the Mayor could come down and say a few words, and I was relatively fit again at that point.

“So I was happy to do it, but I also asked if I could have an entry to the race, which I knew could be difficult as entries were pretty much exhausted at that stage. The club instantly said it wasn’t a problem.

“2018 was my first Pier to Pub, I did it nine months after my heart attack, but I was extremely proud to finish it for the first time.”

Mr Bell has competed in each Pier to Pub since in the Super Veteran category, bar one when the event was held virtually in 2021.

The next aim for Mr Bell is to become a member of the Shark Bait Club, a title bestowed to swimmers who complete 10 Pier to Pub swims – Bell has completed five to date.

More than 7,000 Pier to Pub entrants are expected to attend this year’s swim.

More information on the 1.2-kilometre swim can be found at lornesurfclub.com.au