For generations of families in Palm Beach, Johnny “Jack” Carter was the legendary swimming coach who trained more than 10,000 children in his seven-decade career. His death on 10 May 2021, at the age of 90 years old, has been a huge loss for the community.
Tributes for Mr Carter poured as the family announced his passing. Prior to his death, his daughter, Robey Carter, confirmed that her father was hospitalised. However, his doctors have turned off his pacemaker and tried to keep him comfortable in his final hours.
“It’s not often a man like Johnny comes along, he’s left all 5 of my kids with a beautiful swimming stroke and an appreciation of the ocean. He even gave me a few tips, the cheeky bugger. You must be very proud Robey,” a local, Jason Robinson said.
“So sorry to hear Robey. He will be greatly missed! I’ll never forget my nickname (Minnie Mouse) and my team winning the overall Ironman of the season and getting to take home the biggest bear imaginable (literally man size!) For a whole year! Mum sure was glad when Johnny’s started back the next summer and the bear moved on to the next owner. Also so amazing that Ryder and Koa also got a lesson or two with Johnny by the pool. Such an amazing and selfless man,” Rebecca Billing shared.
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes also paid tribute to the Palm Beach legend, saying that he was indeed an icon.
“The Johnny ‘Jack’ Carter Pool at Palm Beach is just one way our community will forever be reminded of Johnny’s unwavering passion and decades of service,” Mr Stokes said.
One of Australia’s most influential families also honoured Mr Carter through their matriarch Ros Packer, who acknowledged that the swimming coach had been integral to life in Palm Beach. Mrs Packer said that Mr Carter coached three generations of their family and he was considered a good friend.
Mr Carter started teaching kids to swim when he was working as a lifesaver in Palm Beach at 17 years old. In 1958, he was nominated for the George Cross for rescuing two men off the rocky Palm Beach pool, which was renamed the Johnny “Jack” Carter Pool in 2018.
In 2005, Mr Carter received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his work as a swim teacher and lifesaver and he was also honored as a Life Member of the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club in 2010.
The brass plaque dedicated to his name at the Palm Beach pool will inform the next generations of his dedication to the community.
Johnny Carter from Hugh Hamilton on Vimeo.
