The entry ballot for Busselton Jetty Swim 2024 will open on October 1st, with a record 5,000 swimmers expected to dive into the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay in February.
Now in its 29th year, the iconic event has become a renowned fixture on the Australian sporting calendar, attracting swimmers from around the globe for a 3.6km open water swim around Busselton’s beloved Jetty.
Since the inaugural event in 1996 with just 82 participants, the Busselton Jetty Swim has continued to grow in popularity. In 2023 a two-day format was introduced and a new category, Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim, was added. The new category allows swimmers to take a detour and swim under the Jetty.
To cater to growing demand, the number of entries available in 2024 has been increased, with a total of 5,200 entries to be offered across all categories.
According to Kat Rafferty, President of the volunteer organising committee – Busselton Allsports Inc – the expanded 2-day format allows the Busselton Jetty Swim to not only accommodate more swimmers, but swimmers of all abilities.
“The event is really all about encouraging participation. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just looking to challenge yourself, The Busselton Jetty Swim has a distance to suit,” said Kat.
“We’re excited that the 500m Swim will return in 2024 because it is the perfect introduction to open water swimming and compliments our existing range of categories,” she said.
“If you’re not quite ready to swim the entire 3.6km solo you can also join a team or do the One Mile Swim to Shore which involves jumping off the end of the Jetty and swimming 1.6km to the finish line. Plus, we have a dedicated Kids Swim.”
Kat explained the number of entrants is determined after consultation with local partners, including surf lifesaving groups, and that a ballot was introduced to manage demand.
“Every year we endeavour to increase the number of entries to meet demand and 2024 will be our biggest event yet,” she said. “Due to the number of entries exceeding capacity, we have an online ballot system for the 3.6km categories and One Mile Swim to Shore event.”
The 2024 Busselton Jetty Swim will be held on the 10th & 11th February.
The online ballot will be open from October 1 to 9, 2023