But to have four life memberships takes it to a whole new level.

Bendigo's Wally Stables recently received life membership to Swimming Victoria after several decades as a volunteer in the sport.

In addition to already being acknowledged as a life member of the Bendigo Hawks Aquatic Club, Central Victoria Swimming and the Bendigo Highland Pipe Band.

Stables is one of only 70 people who have been given the highest level of recognition from Swimming Victoria.

Stables was honoured to receive the membership.

"It's a fabulous achievement, especially for someone out in a regional Victorian area," he said.

At the recent celebration, Stables was presented with the membership alongside fellow SV life members Don Alchin, Patricia Digby and Max Digby.

Stables first became involved with swimming in the 1960s and hasn't looked back since.

During the past few decades he has held several integral roles which have contributed to the overall success of the sport and careers of many swimmers.

He has taken on the roles of coach, district chief referee, secretary and president.

One element of his involvement which Stables is most proud of is watching swimmers progress as athletes.

"The involvement with swimming continues to grow every year," he said.

"It's especially nice to see young kids getting active and swimming and even better when they progress from level to level."

There's nothing more he loves than teaching and inspiring the next generation of swimmers.

That's why you will find him most nights down at Peter Krenz Leisure Centre in Eaglehawk teaching the next generation of potential Olympians.