Busselton Jetty Swim: comradery and competition

The Busselton Jetty Swim started life in 1996, when two couples decided it would be a cool idea to swim around the jetty. Word spread, and 82 other swimmers joined in. The local hardware store even donated a first prize – a hammer! Now, celebrating it’s 30th anniversary more than 4,400 competitors participate, and the event is spread across two days.

Event and sponsorship coordinator Clare Anderson told us more.

“The event was the brainchild of Max Higgins and was initially arranged as an event of the Busselton Triathlon Club,” she said.  “Max, his wife Jenny and their friends Richard and Leanne Ford, were on the Executive Committee from 1996 until just after the 2020 swim, which was also the event’s 25th anniversary.”

The popularity of the event has continued to grow becoming a two-day event and adding a smaller 500m swim ‘Simon’s Shortcut’  – to cater for people who might not be quite ready to swim the whole way around the Jetty.

“The Busselton Jetty Swim has always prided itself on being a grassroots participatory event for all swimmers, regardless of age or ability,” Clare said.

“The event attracts novice, experienced and elite swimmers by being affordable, inclusive, supportive, welcoming and community focused.”

“The Kids Swim was introduced in 2017 and has been very well received each year,” Clare said.

“Around 200 young athletes between eight and twelve years old swim 222 metres around the small jetty. The kids love the excitement of being in their swim caps and wearing their swim tattoos to line up on the beach, and then finish under the main finish arch.”

There’s a range of land-based activities spread across the weekend too. Jebediah will headline the free Busselton Jetty Swim Sunset Concert, for their 30th anniversary celebrations and Busselton’s Old Courthouse Complex will host an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia plus a mini-documentary screening. Gecko Sports is bringing an action-packed program of fun sports activities for the kids, the Open Air Photo Booth will be back on the foreshore, and catch Fast 4s water polo, presented by Busselton Water Polo Association inside the sea baths.

Of course, those who take part in the Busselton Jetty Swim won’t be alone. Swimmers will be joined by more than 120 Surf Lifesaving volunteers, as well as a helicopter, which will patrol the events. The jetty will also be closed the night before to ensure there are no hooks or burly in the water the next day. All of these safety protocols ensure swimmers can stay focused on enjoying their ocean adventure.

For more information on the Busselton Jetty Swim, including a full rundown of the free activities and entertainment available over the weekend, head to the event’s official website.