Camaraderie in the swimming pool

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The recent death of Jimmy Hunt, the unofficial “mayor” of The Riverdale Y’s early morning swimming pool session, has left an empty space in the hearts of his fellow swimmers. As a “sunrise” swimmer myself, I observed how, through Jimmy’s leadership, this group of mostly senior swimmers use their pool time not only for daily exercise but to form friendships and a community of support for each other. 

“This group has kept me going,” says Morty Donanberg, one of the core members. 

Like the camaraderie of the polar bear swimmers who take dips at the beach in winter, the group starts each day by bopping up and down to relieve their stiffness and various aches and pains as well as to stay in shape. “We call ourselves ‘The Tetley Teabags,’” says Herb Pattin of Riverdale, one of the swimmers.

The group started with three core gentlemen who shared World War II stories, reminisced about past careers, chatted about sports and, of course, talked about their families. Over the years, these men have drawn a wide variety of regulars to the pool.

The Y’s pool, which they affectionately call the “water hole,” is the equalizer and connects people you would not expect to forge such connections, from retired bus drivers to industrial researchers. While their opinions on a wide range of subjects may diverge, they have managed through the process of sharing to create a natural support group offering humor and empathy laced with politics, film criticism and travel exploits. It has enriched their lives and boosted them during difficult times. For example, when the wife of one swimmer passed away, other group members rallied around him to help him through his grief.

“The men have also been there to support each other during their family’s and their own medical issues,” notes Julie Gallanty, who like me frequently takes an early swim at The Riverdale Y before going to work. “They are also there to celebrate birthdays together — including a recent 90th birthday,” she added.

Jimmy Hunt is greatly missed. He always greeted everyone with a smile and was genuinely delighted to have your company. “The pool has a certain stillness,” says Mr. Pattin. “I find myself looking for Jimmy when I come in each morning. He was always there.”

The community Jimmy helped create is a continuing tribute to his memory.  

Dr. Deborah Kramer is an associate professor at the College of Mount Saint Vincent and a nurse practitioner.

Riverdale Y, Jimmy Hunt, Deborah Kramer

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