Perfect conditions set the scene for the 31st Busselton Jetty Swim, held over the weekend in the crystal-clear waters of Geographe Bay.
Almost 5,500 swimmers aged from 8 to 84 took part across two days, tackling a range of swim distances in what is widely regarded as Western Australia’s most beloved open water swim.
On Saturday, over 900 people entered the water, swimming a total of 3.6km as part of two or four person teams, or completing the 500m Simon’s Shortcut. More than 100 children aged 8 to 12 also enjoyed the dedicated Kids Swim around the Busselton swimming jetty.
Sunday featured our signature swims. An incredible 3,360 swimmers of all abilities completed the 3.6km Solo Swim around the end of Busselton Jetty. A further 1,112 participants walked to the end of the Jetty before swimming to the beach as part of the One Mile Swim to Shore.
Southwest local and Paris Olympian, Kyle Lee, claimed the overall victory in the 3.6km Solo Swim. Fuelled by a breakfast of rice bubbles and hot cross buns, Lee finished the swim in a time of 38:28.4 – just 20 seconds shy of his record time despite colliding with one of the Jetty ladders mid-race. Robert Bonsall finished second in 40:39.4, followed by Tristan Van Waas in third with a time of 43:04.08.
Speaking at the finish line, Lee said the event holds special meaning to him.
“The Busselton Jetty Swim was the first open water swim I ever did, so it’s really special to me,” he said. “Plus having my mum swim yesterday and my dad and sister swimming today makes it a real family event.”
Bianca Monaco convincingly claimed the overall women’s title, winning for the second time in just her second appearance at the event. Monaco finished fifth overall in 43:13.3 – more than two minutes faster than her 2025 time and just 25 seconds short of the women’s course record held by Jaime Bowler. Emma Warburton placed second in 46:07.02, with Amie Holwill finishing third in 46:27.8.
The first local across the line was Ruby McLellan of Dunsborough, who finished in 48:57.0 and was also the fastest local female. Max Stacey of Naturaliste was the fastest local male, crossing the line in 50:31.6.
In the One Mile Swim to Shore event, Melina Dimitriadou-Pearce claimed overall honours and was the fastest female, finishing in 20:36.4. Taj Webster was the first male finisher, crossing the line in 21:34.0.
Kat Rafferty, President of the Busselton Jetty Swim’s volunteer organising committee, said she was thrilled with how the weekend unfolded.
“It’s always inspiring to see everyday people challenging themselves and we couldn’t have asked for better conditions on both days,” said Kat.
“What makes the Busselton Jetty Swim so special is our focus on inclusivity. It gives swimmers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to take part and experience the sense of achievement that comes with completing an open water swim.”
Kat also paid tribute to the more than 200 volunteers from community groups and Busselton and visiting Surf Life Saving Clubs, along with 220 event volunteers who helped keep swimmers safe, manage logistics and bring the weekend to life.
“It’s a massive team effort, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helps make the Jetty Swim something special not only for swimmers, but the entire Busselton community.”
Out of the water, indie-folk duo Salt Tree brought the foreshore alive on Saturday evening as headliners of the annual Busselton Jetty Swim Sunset Concert. The free event also featured the finals of Busselton’s Battle of the Bands — an initiative of the City of Busselton Youth Services team showcasing emerging local talent — with Advena named winners.