A bathing pool in the lagoon on The Strand, Williamstown was costed in February 1934 but thought to be unfavourable due to mud. As it would also be useful to owners of small boats, it was decided to build a pool 185x80 feet between John and Clarke Streets near Mariner Street using sustenance workers. It was a rough cut bluestone enclosure, with steps leading down to it. Stones were removed from the sea floor and barge loads of sand brought in for a beach. Known as The Swimming Pool, it was planned with an opening covered by shark nets but these were not built and it silted up with mud.
It was operating from 1936 but became shallow, stagnant, weedy and rat infested. Although not very satisfactory it continued in use mainly by mothers and children until the 1960s. It was then used as a harbour for small boats such as sailing dinghies until a launching ramp was built nearby.
Ref: Sea Baths of Victoria - Bruce Bennett.
While you are standing here looking at this alluring sight, have a look around and answer these equations:
S37 51.(Number of big anchors on dry land + Number of bollards)(Number of pelicans on springs + Number of fish on springs)(Number of big anchors)
E144 54.((Number of bluestone blocks in the top step x 10) - (Number of bluestone steps x Number of fish on springs))