The Mowbray Memorial Swimming Pool came about through the failure of an earlier committee which had been formed to provide a Mowbray Memorial Hall after the second World War. Considerable funds were available and it was decided after a series of public meetings and other action to proceed with the building of a swimming pool. Early in the 1971/72 year the pool was opened and members of the North Launceston Rotaract club provided service as lap scorers. Prior to this the North Launceston Rotary Club had donated $750 for provision and installation of lockers.
The first "Learn to Swim" campaign was conducted under the chairmanship of Lewis Davies in April 1972 with Jake Overweter as the Chief Instructor. The idea for this project originated with Jake and he continued his involvement over the years that followed. At the end of the programme successful participants were given a certificate indicating the distance they could swim. Particulars on the certificate was completed by Ken Ringrose in his immaculate script. Participants were charged five cents per lesson but it was never expected that this charge would cover all the costs. It was raised to ten cents for the next occasion which was conducted in August September 1972.

The "Learn to Swim" has continued to be a successful project for our Rotary Club to this day and although the name of the campaign has been changed to "Water Awareness" and we have not charged any monies for many years it has been a important Community Project that continues to achieve what the original Committee members strived to do and that is teach young children to be safe in water.

The total certificates given out in the 31 years to those children who have swam the "25 metres" would be approaching 1000. That would be 1000 children who have had the joy of learning to swim and perhaps our Rotary Club has helped to save a life or two.