Newton Perry

Class of: 1981

Sport: Swimming

School: UF

Newton A. Perry, also known as Newt Perry, was born on January 6, 1908. At the age of 14, Perry and his family moved to Ocala, FL. He was thrilled to learn that he could continue his swim training at Silver Springs. However, soon, Perry discovered that he was needed as a swim instructor. Two years later at the age of 16, he became Ocala High School’s swim coach and star swimmer. For college, Perry chose to attend the University of Florida, where he competed on the swimming and diving team. During his college years, he was named to the All-American team. Returning home, Perry aided in making Silver Springs one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Along with his family, he put on swimming shows for many television and movie producers. He even became a model for the American Red Cross’ swimming manual. Over the next 30 years, Perry became the man for Hollywood’s biggest directors and producers to call if they were shooting a water scene. He worked with actors such as Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, W.C. Fields, and Johnny Weissmuller . His success led him to develop the Weeki Wachee Springs Attraction, where he also acted as a showman for a while.