In Byron Bay, a unique community has formed around the ocean. The DevOcean swim group, initiated by Mark Bligh, a member of Byron Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church has met up to six days a week for the past two years, offering more than just a workout. For many, it’s become a place to connect, share their faith and enjoy the natural beauty of the bay.
The group began as a simple daily exercise challenge for a few church members, but it quickly grew into a broader community outreach. “We have a lot of people walk into church straight off the street,” Mark explained. “Most of them aren’t Adventist. When someone comes along, we say, ‘Do you want to come swim with us?’ . . . It’s a great way to connect with them.”
The Byron Bay community has many transient members who only visit for a few weeks or months, and it has provided the swim group an opportunity to share God’s love and truth with friends from Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, the United States, Switzerland, Serbia, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The group starts each swim with a prayer, in which they always include a compulsory request to be kept safe from sharks—though none have been spotted yet.
Among the regular swimmers is Julian Archer, stewardship director of the South Pacific Division, who said, “Our rest stops out in the water often turn into opportunities for thanking and praising God for the awesome nature we’re seeing, both above and below. Patting sea turtles is a bonus.”
Mark has seen significant changes among those who swim regularly and noted that it’s been particularly beneficial for men struggling with mental health. “There are incredible benefits of being in the ocean and so many minerals which you get in your system,” he said. “I was a bit frumpier before. But I’ve lost 16 kilograms.”
Church member Heidi expressed her appreciation for the group, saying, “It’s really nice to have something like this to invite people to.” Another member, Karl, added, “I don’t go as often as I should, but it’s always good to keep fit and healthy with other people. By 7:30 in the morning, you’ve gotten out and moving and are looking forward to another lovely day.”
Over the weekend, the group joined Olympic silver medallist and Tweed Heads local Moesha Johnson at the event Swim the Bay with Moe, which Mark helped coordinate. This was Moesha’s first swim since placing second in the 10-kilometre marathon swim in the River Seine in Paris. She also placed sixth in the 1500-metre freestyle pool swim. The Sunday event attracted a diverse mix of people, from local fans to aspiring swimmers, to family members and attendees of Byron Bay church.
Reflecting on the experience, she said, “I was a bit nervous about getting in after a break, but I was swimming alongside the local Alstonville kids who were so fun and supportive, and once we dove in and got moving, I was reminded again of how much I love swimming.”
Afterwards, Moesha mingled with locals, taking photos, signing swim caps and giving away freebies, making the day memorable for all those who joined the swim or passed by. Manna Haven Café, connected to Byron Bay church, also invited anyone and everyone for lunch, providing an opportunity to continue sharing the love of the water and connecting with Moesha and each other.
Reflecting on her journey, Moesha remarked, “Today was a full-circle moment. Byron Bay is where I started ocean swimming. To see people here that are consistently giving it a go was really cool.”
Of those who joined the swim, some were regular ocean swimmers, while others were trying it for the first time. But they all came out of the water with a smile saying something akin to, “it’s beautiful out there!”
Since the DevOcean group started, not only has it helped people live a more active lifestyle, but it has also brought people together and opened their eyes to the beauty around them. Many regulars have started attending church and continue to stay connected, even when they move to other cities or countries.
Zanita Fletcher is an assistant editor for Signs of the Times.
