From a plain notice posted in the Surf Club by Phil Anger early in March 1989, seeking names of persons interested in forming a winter swimming club, the Stanwell Park Sea Eels was formed. The inaugural meeting was held in the Surf Club on Sunday morning 9 April 1989 attended by 19 members of the Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC.  The meeting determined the name and colours of the proposed winter swimming club, and elected a core of office bearers.

Since that time a draft constitution (rules) has been prepared and once agreed to by the members of the Sea Eels will be submitted for ratification and inclusion in the rules of the Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC.  The Sea Eels has since become affiliated with the South Coast Branch of the Winter Swimming Association, and application has been made for affiliation with the Australian Winter Swimming Association.  Membership has been restricted to members of the Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC or to members of an affiliated surf club, with a minimum age limit of 13 years.

The first swim was held on Sunday 16 April 1989 with 33 swimmers experiencing good water temperatures at Coalcliff sea pool.  By the end of May membership had grown to 59 members, with an average attendance of 30 each Sunday. 

In a social competition swim against Wollongong Whales at Wollongong, we were able to test our members against another club.  Keith Newell won the over 50s swim, with our relay team winning the open event.

On Sunday 24 June 1989 we competed in our inaugural Championships, the South Coast Branch, at Woonona pool.  Phil Anger proudly won gold for our club in the Over 70s sprint, and was just beaten in the Over 65s to bring home the silver medal.  Congratulations Phil! Competition on the day was fierce and whilst we gained a number of placings in the heats, the other clubs were too strong for our members in the finals.  Our B relay team captained by John Murphy, finished 3rd amongst a good field.  The members in the team were Scott Boyle, Matt Buckley, Peter Burke, Rick Dzopalic, Peter McDonald, James Powell, Jason Powell, Michael Reimann and Mark Wallace.

After two months of operation, I can report that the Sea Eels is proving to be a good off season activity for the Surf Club, both in regard to training and social activities for our members.

I would like to thank all who have helped get the Sea Eels off the ground.  I would specially mention and thank Bobo White, Robert Pugh and Jan Powell for their contribution which has made the Sunday morning point scores so successful. 

Peter LeBreton - Chairman, Sea Eels”

 Extracted from 1988/89 Club Annual Report