It’s been another record-breaking year for the Busselton Jetty Swim ballot, with more entries than ever before! We know you have questions about the ballot, your chances of securing a spot and how the waitlist works. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below to help you understand the process and know what to expect.
How many people entered the ballot for 2027?
We received 7,148 ballot entries for the 2027 event
- 5,373 for the 3.6km Solo Swim
- 1,775 for the One Mile Swim to Shore
That’s a 93% increase in ballot entries since the 2023 event!
How many entries are available for 2027?
There are 4,900 places available across the two ballot events:
- 3,800 places for the 3.6km Solo Swim
- 1,100 places for the One Mile Swim to Shore
What are my chances of getting a place on the ballot?
Entrants had approximately a 70% chance of securing a place in the initial ballot draw for the 2027 event.
How do you decide how many entries are available?
The safety of our swimmers is always our top priority. Each year, we work closely with our local partners, including Busselton Surf Life Saving Club, to determine how many swimmers we can safely accommodate while maintaining the safety and integrity of the event.
Why does Busselton Jetty Swim use a ballot?
We introduced the ballot system in 2022 after unprecedented demand caused our registration provider’s website to crash.
The ballot gives everyone an equal opportunity to take part in the event. As an event that prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, we want everyone to have a fair chance to experience the excitement of swimming the Jetty, rather than it coming down to who can register the quickest or be online at a particular time.
How does the ballot work?
All ballot entries are allocated through a random, computer-generated draw. This process is designed to ensure a fair and impartial outcome, with no preference given based on age, ability or where a swimmer lives.
Entrants who aren’t successful in the initial draw are randomly allocated a position on the waitlist, unless they opt out during the registration process.
Does the ballot favour local swimmers?
No. Every entrant has an equal chance of securing a place, whether they’re from Busselton, elsewhere in Western Australia, interstate or overseas.
Does the ballot favour elite swimmers or Gold Cap swimmers?
No. Gold Cap status does not give swimmers preferential treatment in the ballot.
The Gold Cap Wave is determined at the end of January, based on confirmed entrants at that time. Swimmers must have secured their entry through the same process as everyone else.
How is the waitlist generated?
If you’re unsuccessful in the initial ballot, you’ll automatically be assigned a random position on the waitlist through a computer-generated draw.
This means your waitlist position isn’t determined by when you entered the ballot, where you live, or your swimming ability.
Can I check my position on the waitlist?
Yes! You can view the waitlist on our website at View Waitlist
How often is the waitlist updated?
The waitlist updates in real time as swimmers withdraw.
How many waitlisted swimmers will get a place?
There’s no set number of places that will become available through the waitlist. It depends on how many successful entrants withdraw from the event.
If enough places become available and your position is reached, you may be offered an entry.
When might I get a place through the waitlist?
This depends on your position on the waitlist and how many swimmers withdraw.
We’ve already seen movement on the waitlist, and withdrawals typically increase around key refund dates:
- 10 December 2026: Deadline for a full refund minus administration fee.
- 7 January 2027: Deadline for 50% refund.
While these dates may bring more movement, we can’t guarantee when, or whether, a place will become available for any individual swimmer.
What are my options if I’m on the waitlist but still want to swim?
If you’re on the waitlist, you have two options:
- Stay on the waitlist. Keep your place and wait to see if an entry becomes available. If you’re offered a place, you will receive a confirmation email, your entry fee will be processed, and the usual refund conditions will apply.
- Withdraw from the waitlist and join a Team Swim. You will still be eligible for a guaranteed entry for 2027.
Please note: You can’t be on the waitlist and registered in another event at the same time. If you choose to enter a Team Swim, you must first withdraw from the waitlist.