Once, my father carried me into the surf. Now my arm steadies his steps back to the sea | Tim Baker

Early morning swims were a daily ritual for my dad until age and illness took its toll. On a recent visit, I hatched a plan to get him in the ocean again

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It's a delicate moment. My father's a proud man. I don't want to be condescending, so I tell him to let me know the level of help he needs. I'll take my cues from you," I offer quietly. With a default formality I still find endearing, he tells me he'll require assistance at two stages of the process: getting in and getting out.

I've travelled from my home in northern New South Wales to Perth to spend 10 days with my father, while his second wife, my stepmum, is in Melbourne visiting their two adult sons and new grandsons.