Organisation of Event

Under the umbrella of Busselton Allsports Inc the Busselton Jetty Swim committee consists of a small group of seventeen dedicated committee members whose sole aim is to organise the annual Jetty Swim. This event was the brain child of Max Higgins and was initially arranged as an event of the Busselton Triathlon Club (Busselton Allsports Inc). The first swim being held in February 1996.

The event is staged with the help of many volunteers who give freely of their time. Organisations such as the Busselton branch of the St John Ambulance Association; Busselton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group: Bunbury and Busselton Surf Life Saving Clubs; and local branch members of the State Emergency Service provide their services to ensure the smooth running of the event.

Description of Event

The swim creates a grass roots celebration born by our local icon, the Busselton Jetty.

In the tenth year of the event it was anticipated that 1000 swimmers and paddlers ranging in age from 7 – 75 would participate in the 2005 Busselton Jetty Swim. In fact the registrations were only just short of this target. By 2007 the entries did pass the 1,000 mark (1008) with a record 1346 individual registrations for the 2011 event.

Due to the refurbishment of the Busselton Jetty at the time of the event, the 2010 swim was staged without the ability to have teams participate. Instead, a 1km swim from the beach out and return to the finish line was offered. A record of 1082 individuals registered overall with 171 entries in the 1km swim.

The inaugural swim in 1996, attracted 82 participants (18 solo females, 30 solo males, 8 four-person teams and one duo team), mostly local. Competitors travel from the Perth metropolitan and surrounding areas. Good support is provided from the districts of Bunbury and Margaret River. There have also been several interstate and even overseas competitors in recent years.

An estimated 5000 spectators enjoy the event. The atmosphere comes from the swimmers and their supporters who eagerly attend to encourage their grand children, husbands, mothers, brothers, sisters or grand parents. In many cases swimmers are not sports minded but participate for personal challenge or to raise funds for their own charities by completing the course as part of a team.

2011 event provided additional attractions for spectators:

• Music and entertainment (Saturday and Sunday)

• Twilight carbo meal on following early check-in for those registered swimmers on the Saturday

• Beach breakfast on the Sunday

• Sandcastle display and sandcastle competition for children

The 3.6 kilometre swim is unique as spectators can view the entire course around the Busselton Jetty.  In fact, the first time the public had full access to the Busselton Jetty after the $27m refurbishment was on the Sunday morning of the 2011 swim.  The official opening of the 'new' Busselton Jetty was held the previous night.  A fantastic way to celebrate the Busselton Jetty opening!

The event attracts novice, experienced and elite swimmers. Participants can swim solo or join a team of two or four who complete a section each. It encourages the involvement of interested people of all ages, in many cases motivating them to train and eventually compete. People swim for a personal challenge or just to be a part of a great event.

A highlight of the day is when every one stops to applaud the last swimmer (or as we call it – the ‘most elapsed time’) over the line.

Economic Benefits to the Community

• The swim attracts participants and their supporters, who utilise accommodation houses, caravan parks or bed and breakfasts for a minimum of 1 night, usually for 2 nights.

• Restaurants, café and other retail outlets benefit

• Profiles the area as a tourist destination

• The compounding economic benefits to the town is estimated at $80,000

• Funds raised surplus to staging the next event, will be directed back into facilities that enhance the ‘swim’

Objectives

• The Swim aims to celebrate our local icon and heritage, the Busselton Jetty

• Create an opportunity to encourage participation and encourage a personal training program and to continue to encourage the many teams made of families including three generations

• Attract swimmers from WA, interstate and overseas, developing a profile event for Busselton and Western Australia

Target Group

• All ages

• A record field of 1500 plus is anticipated for the 2012 event

• Over 5000 spectators are expected

• The swim attracts participants from the region and metropolitan areas

• 85% of registered competitors for the 2011 event were from areas outside the immediate Busselton locality

June 2011