Frequently Asked Questions

Swaps or transfers between individuals are not permitted for the 2022 event. Withdrawn registrations will be offered to the next eligible person on the official waitlist.

On closure of the Ballot Period (open 6am Friday 1st October 2021, closes 11.59pm AWST Sunday 10th October 2021), entries will be allocated at random according to allocation processes and places available in the event. All initially unsuccessful Ballot entries will form the Waitlist. The Waitlist will be live on the event website on Friday 15th October 2021

Please don't swim without a valid entry; for the sake of you and your loved ones, for the sake of Surf Life Saving, your fellow swimmer's and the event organisers and supporters. Our event is looked at closely each year for safety and if we can’t show that we run a safe event then the Busselton Jetty Swim will not be permitted, simple as that! We (SLS and the Volunteer BJS Event organizers) need every swimmer's entry details as a minimum to assist with our duty of care on race day. As an unregistered swimmer we don't know your name, age, level of fitness, special needs, medical condition, emergency contact etc. You also have not agreed to our conditions of participation or agreed to accept responsibility for the risks that an open water swim presents. Any breach of the Race Rules and / or Code of Conduct will result in the swimmer/s being banned from participating in the Event for a period of two years.

So every un-entered swimmer throws a level of doubt onto the management of the event and causes direct concern for those volunteers doing their best to look out for the safety of you and 4000 other swimmers. Please don’t disrespect the volunteers, Surf Life Saving and your fellow swimmers who work so hard to make the Busselton Jetty Swim such a great annual event.

For each swimmer you require the following information:

1. Name
2. Have they swum the event previously using another surname (so we can collate swimmer results)
3. Estimated swim time (EST for calculating correct start wave) - not required for Kids Swim, One Mile or Teams
4. Gender
5. Date of birth
6. Address
7. Mobile phone number
8. Email - Please don't use your work email - see our FAQ about your email address.
9. Emergency contact (name and phone number of somebody not swimming on the day)
10. Any medical conditions (provided to St Johns and Surf Life Saving in case of emergency)
11. Using wetsuit or swim aid (wetsuit, flippers, snorkel, speed-suit, pullbuoy)
12. Special needs (this includes requesting a support paddler)
13. How many times have they entered the swim
14. How did they hear about the swim
15. Why are you participating and what most appeals to you?
16. How may family/friends/colleagues will be coming along with you as spectators/supporters?
17. Do you have any suggestions
18. How many nights will they be spending in Busselton (option for local resident or day visit)
19. What type of accommodation (option for local resident or day visit)
20. Do they have a story to share about entering the swim

TEAMS:(additional information)

1. Team Entrants will have to select a swim leg
2. Teams must now be entered as complete teams during the ballot. 
3. Teams of two will now only be permitted one change of team member and teams of four will be permitted no more than two swimmer changes before event day.

Payment details are required to enter the Ballot, however payment will only be processed once you are successfully allocated a place in the event. Please make sure your payment details are valid or you could miss out.

Can I use my work email to enter?

Why didn't I get a receipt when I entered?

I didn't get an e-ticket

I didn't receive the newsletters

We recommend you use your private email address for entering the swim or signing up for notifications.  Many swimmers miss vital communications from us as their work server blocks emails with attachments or our news and automated emails could trigger spam settings or filters.  Other swimmers miss our communications as they are on leave and cannot access their work email. 

No. To enter the event you MUST register for the Ballot which opens at 6am Friday 1st October 2021.

The Ballot closes 11:59pm Australian Western Standard Time (AWST), Sunday 10th October 2021.

Entries will be open for the Kids Swim from Friday 15th October 2021 until Monday 7th February 2022 unless sold out earlier.

The minimum age for swimmers is 8 years old on race day. Only competent swimmers who are fit and adequately trained should enter. We will be asking for proof of suitable swimming ability for swimmers 12 years and under. Please note that any junior swimmers must provide proof of completing and passing stage 8 (as per Royal Life Saving) or equivalent to be eligible to swim in the event. Parents or guardians are to email proof to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Parents or guardians will also be required to sign a hard copy of the declaration/waiver at swimmer check-in. No award will be issued to the youngest swimmer.

No. To enter the 2022 event you must register for the Ballot which opens at 6am Friday 1st October 2021 and closes 11:59pm Australian Western Standard Time (AWST), Sunday 10th October 2021.

No late entries will be accepted.

Only online entries will be accepted.

We are only accepting entry and payment online. You can use a credit card, debit card or Pay Pal to complete the registration.

In 2022, all swimmers receive automatic personal accident insurance as part of their entry fee.  For more information on insurance CLICK HERE

One of our risk controls for the Kids Swim is to limit the number of children to 8 per wave at 30 second intervals and not to have significant numbers of adults in the water thus reducing the likelihood of collisions and allowing SLS to focus solely on the children and to do their job unimpeded.

If a child has a particular need for additional on-water support then an emailed request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. will be considered on its merits.

The age qualification (8 to 12 years inclusive) means age at the date of the event. If you are unsure, please get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

No. Every swimmer over the age of 18 must check-in in person. Legal guardians may check-in for swimmers if under 18 - an eTicket must be shown.

Check-in will be by Race Number for the 2022 swim. Swimmers will be asked to show Photo ID.

Swimmers will be emailed an eTicket in the week before the swim.

Check-in at the marquee at Busselton foreshore which will be open 10:00 to 18:00 Saturday 12th February 2022 (preferred option) or 06:00 to 08:00 Sunday 13 February 2022

You will automatically be allocated a Race Number once entries have closed. Your Race Number will be emailed to you in an eTicket in the week prior to the swim. Please bring your eTicket together with Photo ID to pre-race check-in. Check-in will be by Race Number for the 2022 swim.

Yes. Your race number will be a tattoo that you must wear for event management and safety. The tattoo may be applied to your skin or wet-suit.

The tattoo goes vertically on your front left thigh. Option two front left arm/shoulder. Tattoos may be applied to wet-suits.

A team name, team captain, payment and all team members details in full are required to confirm a team entry.

Swimmers can log-in later to amend or update swimmer details including changes to swim order (up until entries close, Monday 7 February 2022). Note that limited team changes are permitted.

Note that you may only register for the Ballot for one distance, i.e. you may NOT register for a solo swim and a team swim. This will result in cancellation of your entry and a two-year ban for anyone with duplicate entries.

For each swimmer:

1. Name
2. Have they swum the event previously using another surname (so we can collate swimmer results)
3. Swim order (for relay).  Entrants will need to select a swim leg.
4. Gender
5. Date of birth
6. Address
7. Contact phone number
8. Email - Please don't use your work email - see our FAQ about your email address.
9. Emergency contact (name and phone number of somebody not swimming on the day)
10. Any medical conditions (provided to St Johns and Surf Life Saving in case of emergency)
11. Using wetsuit or swim aid (Wetsuit, flippers, snorkel, speed-suit, pullbuoy)
12. Special needs (this includes requesting a support paddler)
13. How many times have they entered the swim
14. How did they hear about the swim
15. Did they use our training program
16. Why are you participating and what most appeals to you?
17. How many family/friends/colleagues will be coming along with you as spectators/supporters?
18. Do you have any suggestions
19. How many nights will they be spending in Busselton (option for local resident or day visit)
20. What type of accommodation (option for local resident or day visit)
21. Do they have a story to share about entering the swim

Yes, swimmers can log-on to their entry and edit swimmer details or swim order using the log-in and password from their confirmation email. Note that only one change to swimmers is permitted for teams of two and two swimmer changes for teams of four.

This would be dependent upon your training and personal fitness. We cannot advise you on this. With the 3.6km Solo event, the One Mile Swim to Shore and the 2 and 4 person relay events there are several distance options for a swimmer to choose from. 

No. On water safety and support is provided by Surf Life Saving and personal support paddlers are no longer permitted, however if you feel you have a special need requiring your own support or provisions this must be indicated as part of your online entry. Swimmers can log-on to and amend their entry any time until entries close.

The main course is 3.6 km, out to the end, around the Busselton Jetty and back to shore.

The One Mile - Swim to Shore: swimmers enter the water on the western side of the Jetty, at the ramp near the Underwater Observatory and swim 1.6km to the beach to finish.

The 2 person relay distances are: first leg 1.4 km, beach start exiting at Allie’s Landing; second leg 2.2 km, starting at Allie’s Landing, rounding the end of the jetty and finishing on the shore.

The 4 person relay distances are: first leg 1.0 km, beach start exiting at Jetty Platform (east); second leg 1.0 km, starting at Jetty Platform (east) rounding the end of the jetty and exiting at the Underwater Observatory Ramp; third leg 0.6 km starting at Underwater Observatory Ramp and finishing at the Jetty Platform (west); fourth leg 1.0 km, starting at the Jetty Platform (west) and finishing on the shore.

The Kids Swim is 222 m around the outside of the Swimming Jetty.

Yes, you should be prepared. These are seasonal, as for most of the coastal areas of lower Western Australia.

Main swim : Up to 2600 swimmers.

One Mile Swim to Shore: Up to 800 swimmers

Kids Swim : Up to 200 swimmers in waves of 8.

2 person Teams: 100 teams  (200 swimmers)

4 person Teams: 50 teams (200 swimmers)

Estimated swim time is used to allocate your start wave (fastest swimmers start first). Start waves have a maximum of 400 swimmers. Should more than 400 swimmers select the same estimated swim time they will be split according to date entered. Swimmers can log-on to their entry and edit swimmer details including estimated swim time using the log-in and password from their confirmation email.

Yes, swimmers can log-on to their entry and edit swimmer details including estimated swim time using the log-in and password from their confirmation email. This can be completed any time before 6pm Monday 7th February 2022

Choose the same estimated swim time. Estimated swim time is used to allocate your start wave (fastest swimmers start first). We would suggest not choosing a popular time like 60, 70, 80 or 90 minutes if you wish to swim together. Start waves have a maximum of 400 swimmers. Should more than 400 swimmers select the same estimated swim time they will be split according to date entered. Choosing an odd time like 0hr 57min 21sec, 83min 16sec, 1hr 12min 48sec etc with your friend will maximise your chances of being in the same start wave. Swimmers can log-on to their entry and edit swimmer details including estimated swim time using the log-in and password from their confirmation email.

SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim’s focus is on swimmer safety and to accommodate the number of swimmers in 2022, the main 3.6 kilometre swim around the jetty will be a self-seeded rolling start for solo and relay swimmers.

Prior to the rolling start there will be 50 Gold Cap swimmers who will start en masse at 8:00am.

Rolling / Beach Start - 3.6km solo swimmers and relay teams Swimmers will start on the beach with a rolling start in intervals commencing at 8:01am in the following order:

1. Wave    Swim        Cap colour

   A          Solo           Gold

   B          Solo           Silver

   C          Solo           Dark green

   D          Solo           Orange

   E          Solo           Green

   F          Solo           Aqua

   G         Solo           Purple

   H         Solo           Red

   I          Solo           Pink

   J        2R Teams   Blue

   K       4R Teams   White

   One Mile Swim    Yellow

   Kids Swim           Assorted

You must wear the swim cap provided. It indicates your estimated swim time and should enable you to swim with swimmers of similar ability. Rolling start will commence at 8:01am on the beach in cap colour order. Listen and move promptly to the beach when your cap colour is called. Do not panic if you end up with swimmers of different caps ~ your swim is timed according to when you cross the mat.

One Mile Swim to Shore - this will be a rolling start commencing at 9:30am and friends will be able to swim together.

The Kids Swim starts at 11:00am in waves of 8, at 30 second intervals.

Official race cut-off times is 11:00am for the Solo swim, Team Relays and One Mile Swim to Shore. Cut off is 30 minutes for the Kids Swim.

Yes. Every swimmer receives a finisher's award (towel) issued as they exit the finish area or the foot of the Jetty. Trophies are also awarded as per the awards list (see race rules for category details). Swimmers must collect their awards and trophies by 11:45am Sunday 13 February 2022. Awards and trophies will not be posted out.

Swimmers receive their finisher's award (towel) as they exit the finish area or the foot of the Jetty. Finisher's awards for the Kids swim will be issued as they exit the finish area. Trophies must be collected at the official awards presentation (11:45am - 12:30pm race day). Trophies will not be posted out. Trophies may be collected by proxy.

All attempts are made to have the results available on the day of the event, after presentations. The results will available from the website before 7pm on the day.

These are allowable but must be declared on the entry. If you swim with an aid, you will not be eligible for a category award. Swim aids include any device or swimsuit that may aid his/her speed, buoyancy or endurance;

• Flippers
• Snorkels
• Wetsuits
• Pull Buoys
• Speed suits

You can wear whatever swimsuit you desire. If your swim suit aids your speed, buoyancy or endurance, it is considered a swim aid and must be declared on your entry (or at swimmer check-in) as you will be ineligible for an award.
Acceptable (non-swim-aid) swimsuits:

• Are made from a textile fabric
• Are flexible and soft folding
• Any surface treatments or coatings do not close the overall open mesh structure of the base textile fabric
• Do not contain buoyancy
• Are not thicker than 0.8mm
• Do not cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or ankles
• Do not contain zips or other fastening systems

Swimsuits must be FINA approved to be eligible for awards.

Full refunds, less a $15 administration fee ($5 for the Kid's Swim), are only available if applied for in writing or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and must be applied for prior to 11:59pm AWST Sunday 16th January 2022.

Full refund less $5 administration fee applies for Kid's Swim withdrawals until 11.59pm AWST 16th January 2022.

No refunds will be made after 16th January 2022.

If a member of a team cannot swim on the day, a replacement may be approved by the check-in desk for a team member only, not for solo entrants or whole teams. The replacement team swimmer must fill in an entry form and sign the waiver at the check-in desk. Note that only one change to swimmers is permitted for teams of two and two swimmer changes for teams of four.

Entry swaps or transfers between swimmers are not available for 2022. Registered swimmers who cannot swim need to withdraw officially and their allocation will be given to the next eligible person on the waiting list through the registration system only. Private swaps will not be permitted. A swimmer swimming under another person’s entry or category will result in both swimmers being banned from participating in the event for a period of two years.

At this point you are unable to transfer your swim to another category. If you are unable to swim you will need to apply for a refund subject to normal refund conditions.

If we believe that all swimmers on the original Waitlist are likely to be promoted into the swim, we may reopen the Waitlist and you will be welcome to register for your preferred swim at this point.

There is plenty of parking around the area. Parking will also be provided via a gold coin donation in Signal Park with proceeds going to Busselton Primary School P&C. Overflow parking areas have been created however please take care and be mindful of current works being undertaken in and around the area.

CLICK HERE to view a Map/Plan showing all parking within 750m radius of the Busselton Foreshore.

Yes, a bag-drop marquee will be provided and will be manned by volunteers from the Robins Hockey Club. The bag-drop service will be available from 6:00am on Sunday 13th February at the cost of a gold-coin donation. The location will be marked on the Site Plan which will be provided in your Swim Bag at check-in