Peter Stewart remembered a year on from his sudden death at open water swim

A long-time surf life saving member is being fondly remembered a year on from his tragic death during an open water swim.

ALMOST a year on from the tragedy that rocked Darwin’s close-knit surf life saving community, the wife of a man who died during the Fannie Bay Swim Classic has remembered his commitment to community service and surf life saving.

Peter Stewart, 60, died as he approached the finish line of the annual swim at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club.

Grief-stricken family and friends looked on as attempts to revive Mr Stewart on the beach were unsuccessful.

Originally thought to be a heart attack, he died of arrhythmia, a condition where the heart stops sending signals to the brain.

Mr Stewart’s wife Sharon Stewart told the NT News the sense of desolation that cloaked the club after the tragedy was now being used to drive the organisation as it prepares for this year’s annual ocean swim.

“Swimming’s something Peter loved to do and he’d want the event to continue for the club and other ocean swimmers in the Territory,” Mrs Stewart said.

“He loved it, was passionate about it and he was perfectly fit and trained every day. He was fit and healthy and it’s one of those terrible things that happened.”

Employed in mining and with his family regularly on the move, Mrs Stewart said their focus on supporting surf life saving had provided an entry into new communities.

“If you’re looking to do something for your community, surf life saving does so much for community because of the water safety factor,” she said.

“We travelled a lot with Peter’s work and whenever we went to a new city the first thing we did was join the surf club. I think it’s important if you’re community minded and looking to do something, to volunteer. It’s all about family.

“Peter emobided that community spirit. he was involved in shooting clubs, (disability services group) Harry’s Place, the Surf Club. He got involved and supported the community.”

A touching tribute on the Surf Life Saving Club’s website acknowledged the Stewarts’ contribution to the club.

“Peter typified the best things about surf lifesaving. He was a patrolling member, he was an active surf sports participant, an active social member and he was a club committee member who brought new and wise insights to the management of our club,” the tribute reads.

“But it doesn’t stop there, as one of the highlights of the surf community is its family orientation and Peter was in the thick of that also, with Sharon also being actively involved and an extremely valuable contributor to the club and their kids have re-engaged as the grandkids are now Nippers.

“Peter and Sharon were at the helm of 3 generations of active, healthy and community minded Stewart’s enjoying the club together.

“The Darwin club members extend their heartfelt condolences to Sharon, Lauren, Courtney, Natalia and their family. Peter will forever be in our hearts and thoughts.”

Mrs Stewart’s was one of the driving forces behind the event’s return this year, albeit with a new name and location.

This year’s event will be held on Sunday, June 19 and is now called the MRM Darwin Ocean Swim.

Instead of Fannie Bay, the 2.1km race will take off near the mouth of Rapid Creek and the 1.2km race will begin further along Casuarina Beach.

Both races will begin at the same time and both will conclude in front of the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club headquarters.

Entries close on June 15.

Visit the Surf Life Saving Club website for details.

http://www.darwinsurfclub.com.au/surf-sports/mcarthur-river-mining-darwin-ocean-swim.