Standing near the western boardwalk entrance of the Eastern Beach swimming enclosure, Jan Mitchell’s Lifesavers bollards honour a true local hero of mid-20th century Geelong.

Leading the group and positioned protectively beside an eager young boy is Bill Coyte, a legendary figure credited with teaching more Geelong children to swim than anyone else in the city’s history. For around 25 years, weather permitting, Bill dedicated his Saturday mornings to hosting swimming lessons right at this spot in the safe, shallow waters of the seawater enclosure.

Brightly painted and full of character, the bollards capture the watchful, community-minded spirit of those summers spent splashing by the bay, preserving the legacy of Geelong’s beloved swimming instructor.