It was his 83rd birthday on Monday, but Tony Goldsmith was forced to forego his annual tradition.
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A keen frequenter of Mittagong Pool, he likes to mark his birthday by swimming the years of his life there.
Yes, that's right - that means 83 laps.
But since the pool is shut while Wingecarribee Shire Council inspects it following last week's flash flooding, he couldn't swim them.
Well, not at Mittagong at least.
He marked the occasion at Bowral Pool instead, although it wasn't quite the same.
"It was a shame I couldn't do it at Mittagong," said Mr Goldsmith.
"I'm not whingeing - there's nothing wrong with Bowral - but Mittagong is the best pool I've ever used."
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He's been swimming regularly at Mittagong with wife Meg for all of the 23 years they've lived in the area.
He rhapsodised about the beauty of the historic pool, which is closed indefinitely until council learns how much damage was done and how long it will take to fix.
"It doesn't matter which way you turn your head, you have the green grass and the trees all around you," said Mr Goldsmith, who swims three times a week, early in the day.
"It's extremely clean and nice, the temperature just right, the staff are terrific - I mean, those kids are really good to us.
"We missed it so much when it was shut for those two years, and were so happy when it re-opened."
His words were echoed by another champion of Mittagong Pool, Coby Koster, who joins the other "oldies" (her words) several times a week.
"There's a whole bunch of us - the grey-haired mob - who swim there regularly, all life lovers," said Coby, who has lived in Mittagong for five years.
"It's absolutely my happy place."
As soon as she discovered the pool, she began swimming there, and agrees it is the best in the area.
"I love the water and know how good it is for me - I'm an aged care worker so I need to recharge my batteries, and look after myself," she said.
"But I'm so surprised how few people know about the pool, and it's so riddled with problems.
"You hold your breath every season - will it be all right? And will the council keep putting money into it?"
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Council has yet to reveal the extent of the damage to the pool, and how long it will take to fix.
In a statement last week, they said that a public announcement will be made following the investigations regarding whether the pool will re-open this summer.
There are a whole lot of 'grey-haired' - and younger - swimmers waiting with bated breath for the answer.
What are your thoughts on Mittagong Pool?
