SWIMMING is Brooke Copland's escape from life's daily stresses.
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The 42-year-old is preparing to swim in her second Warrnambool Whales Swim Club 100x100metre event on Sunday.
Last year she nominated to swim 20 laps and ended up finishing 80 laps, the equivalent of eight kilometres.
"The goal this year is purely to do 10 laps because I have had multiple bulged discs so if I can get in and just participate and enjoy the day that will be a gold net," Copland said.
The mother-of-one loves nothing better than travelling to Warrnambool's Aquazone and jumping into the pool to swim - something she only picked up three years ago.
"I love it. It is one of the most important things in my life to keep me well," she said.
"I have to acknowledge the masters (swim club) and the coaches for being such a big part of that.
"It has been such a good form of rehabilitation for me - socially, physically and mentally.
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"I'm still managing it (the back injuries). It's a constant management process but the masters committee and the coaches have been fantastic and supportive of whatever level you are at.
"There is a diversity from young to old and also in our capabilities. It feels like a bit of a family."
Copland said the Aquazone pool "is so important to so many people" and also herself.
"It is the physical exercise which is researched and the connection to come here after a days work and all you do is focus on your swim and connect in that way," she said.
"The connection is so good for the well-being (of the swimmers)."
Event coordinator Laura Tweddle said the club had already exceeded last year's entries (32) and hoped more than 40 swimmers would participate this year.
The maximum number of entries for the event is set at 50.
The day starts off with an 8am briefing before the swimmers jump in at 8.30am.
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