IT was when Barry Eldridge waded across part of Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne that he realised he could swim.
He had been using his hands to guide himself through the shallows when he noticed no part of this body was touching the seabed.
The epiphany marked the beginning of his lifelong love of water.
Mr Eldridge received no instruction on how to swim but he has since taught thousands of adults and children, aged from five months, to love being in the water.
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The story is recounted by Mr Eldridge, a Thornlands swim instructor, in a short documentary about his life.
Producer Wayne Cass said he wanted to celebrate Barry’s 80th birthday and his contributions to swim education by making the film.
But what started as a private project, quickly turned into a six month job for the former Cleveland District State High School film studies teacher, who also served as Brisbane region schools chairman for the subject.
News had spread about Mr Eldridge’s plans to retire, with Eldridge Swim School at Woodlands Drive recently put up for sale.
Mr Cass quickly got to work, recruiting help from his former film studies student, Daniel Helmstedt, 21.
The 18-minute production includes interviews with champion swim coach Laurie Lawrence, triple Olympian Ashley Callus and former Olympian Lara Korhammer, whose young daughter is taught at Eldridge Swim School.
Mr Cass described Barry as a Redlands legend, who had also taught his own daughters to swim 25 years ago.
“Swimming is one of the best gifts you can give anyone,” Mr Cass said.
“He is truly a local legend and icon.”
The documentary, Barry Eldridge – a life in water, will be premiered at Cleveland District State High School on Wednesday, August 8 at 7pm.
DVD and USB copies of the film will be sold for $30 at the entrance to the school’s performance space on the night.
Copies can also be ordered for delivery for $33.
Daniel Helmstedt, who has just finished university film studies, said working with his former teacher to shoot the documentary had been a great experience.
“It was fun to work with Wayne,” he said.
The 21-year-old used cameras and other equipment borrowed from the school for the film, which includes underwater footage.
Cleveland District State High School is at the corner of Russell and Smith streets. For more, visit here.
