Bobby Lehane, who finished his six-year tenure as CEO at CHU Underwriting Agencies on Friday, has revealed his next challenge: a charity “swimathon” over three months to raise funds for Lifeline.

He plans to complete 100 swims covering 250km from January to March, targeting every ocean rock pool in NSW. The venture has already raised more than $6000 of a target $50,000. Donations can be made here.

Lifeline has experienced a large increase in counselling demand this year, with call volumes up by more than a quarter.

“In this very challenging time, Lifeline plays a very important role in our communities. Accordingly, your support is more important than ever as it helps to maintain core service levels,” Mr Lehane’s new ‘Rock The Pool 2021’ blog says.

Mr Lehane welcomes others to also swim with an open invitation to “any and all” who wish to participate.

“I want to use Rock The Pool 2021 to encourage as many people to join me, to challenge themselves with a swim or two and see if it might be something that can be as valuable to them as it has been for me.”

Mr Lehane, whose wife is a financial counsellor for Lifeline, left his native Ireland at age 23 and spent seven years at Zurich prior to joining CHU. He took up swimming six years ago.

He says it brings him “peace, happiness and perspective” and he now wants to share these wellbeing benefits with others.

The swimathon kicks off at Freshwater on New Year’s Day, followed by Pearl Beach on January 9, with more dates to be announced.