About Us

About Busselton Jetty Swim

Busselton Jetty Swim is a renowned open water swimming event that takes place over two days in February each year. While the inaugural event in 1996 had only 82 participants, an astonishing 5,800 swimmers are expected to participate in 2026.

The event offers various distances to accommodate all swimmers, such as the signature 3.6km Solo Swim and the 2 and 4 Person Team Swims. There is also the One Mile Swim to Shore, which involves jumping off the end of the Jetty and swimming 1.6km to the finish line. Participants can choose to swim under the Jetty in Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim, or there is a dedicated Kids Swim for younger participants. For those who prefer to stay dry, there are numerous entertainment options and activities available, including the free Sunset Concert.

The event is organised by Busselton Allsports Inc, a not-for-profit volunteer committee, and supported by numerous volunteers and local community groups. 

OUR STORY

1996                                                                                                                                                      The first Busselton Jetty Swim kicks off in January with just 82 swimmers. A simple arrangement included a card table for registrations, manual timing, and handwritten certificates. Team changeovers were managed from boats.

2000                                                                                                                                                      334 swimmers take part as local businesses support the event by displaying posters and providing tents for the event day. Participants could register via fax, mail, or in person. 

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2005                                                                                                                                                    With 828 swimmers, the event implements electronic timing and online registration for the first time.  The inaugural free community concert adds a festive atmosphere. 

2010                                                                                                                                                       The number of swimmers grows to 1,082. as the Jetty is closed for nearly two years. A 1km beach swim is introduced to accommodate the closure of Busselton Jetty.

2011                                                                                                                                                           A record 1,345 swimmers celebrate the reopening of the Busselton Jetty after two years of significant renovations. The event welcomes its beloved mascot, Simon Seagull.

2015                                                                                                                                          Busselton Jetty Swim celebrates its 20th anniversary, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Busselton Jetty. The event sees participation increase to 2,065 swimmers.

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2019                                                                                                                                                    With 2,946 swimmers, the introduction of the One Mile Swim follows the success of the inaugural Kids Swim held in 2017, broadening the event’s appeal to families.

2021                                                                                                                                                      The event returns with 2,948 swimmers.  Due to Covid restrictions, it was exclusively open to people in Western Australia. Entries sell out in just 1 hour and 18 minutes, demonstrating the event’s popularity and the community’s eagerness to reconnect.

2023                                                                                                                                                           A record 4,349 swimmers participate as the swim program expands to two days, featuring the launch of Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim.

2025                                                                                                                                                      The number of swimmers reaches 5,496. A new course for the Team Swim is introduced and it moves to Saturday. The Virtual Challenge launches, providing additional ways for swimmers to engage with the event.  The 30th Anniversary is celebrated with an exhibition and history documentary.

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