Sisters field 25-strong team to push sun safety focus at North Bondi cold water classic

Last Sunday's North Bondi Cold Water Classic was an event with a poignant message.

Judy and Lou Playfair, Lisa Sampson, John Playfair

ANOTHER sunny weekend, another ocean swim but last Sunday's North Bondi Cold Water Classic was an event with a poignant message.

Celebrating 30 years of the iconic swim, North Bondi Surf Club this year partnered with Melanoma Australia Institute to host an ocean swim with a sun safety focus.

Judy and Louise Playfair recruited a team of 25 swimmers to take part in the event and raise money for the institute, a cause they have a special connection with after their brother Angus died from melanoma in 2009 at the age of 47.

"We started Team Playfair in 2010 to celebrate his life and every year we try to do something in his memory," she said.

"He fought so hard in his final year but there are no treatments for melanoma, so we thought we would raise money for research and education.

"We've swum in other races around Sydney but this year we came back to North Bondi, where Louise and I are patrol members with the surf club ... it was a bit like coming home."

Judy, who represented Australia at the 1968 Olympics, finished second in the 55-59 age group in both the 1km and 2km events and Louise was fourth in the 45-49 age group.

Team Playfair has raised more than $65,000 for melanoma Institute Australia since 2010.

To support their efforts visit teamplayfair.gofundraise.com.au.