It’s been another huge year for the Busselton Jetty Swim ballot, with more entries than ever before! We know many of you have questions about how the ballot and waitlist work, so we’ve pulled together some handy answers below.
How many people entered the ballot for 2026?
This year we received 6,236 ballot entries — 4,758 for the 3.6km Solo Swim and 1,478 for the One Mile Swim to Shore. That’s an 11% increase on last year and almost double since the ballot began.
How many entries are available in 2026?
There are 3,500 entries available for the 3.6km Solo Swim and 1,100 entries for the One Mile Swim to Shore.
What’s the chance of being successful in the ballot?
Anyone who entered the ballot for the 2026 event had roughly a 75% chance of securing a spot in the initial draw.
How do you determine the number of entries?
Each year we work closely with our local partners, including Busselton Surf Life Saving Club, to determine how many swimmers we can safely accommodate without compromising the safety or integrity of the event.
Why do you have a ballot?
The ballot system was introduced in 2022 after unprecedented demand crashed our registration provider’s website. It ensures everyone – regardless of age, ability, or postcode — has an equal chance to experience the thrill of completing the Busselton Jetty Swim.
How does the ballot work?
Ballot results and the waitlist are generated at random by a computer program to ensure a fair and impartial process, with no preference given to any swimmer based on age, ability, or postcode.
Does the ballot favour locals?
No. Every swimmer has an equal chance – whether they’re from overseas, interstate, or local to Busselton.
Does the ballot favour elite or Gold Cap swimmers?
No. The Gold Cap Wave is created at the end of January, based on confirmed entrants at that time who have registered through the same process as all other swimmers.
How is the waitlist generated?
Unsuccessful entrants are automatically assigned a random position on the waitlist — again, determined by a computer-generated draw to ensure fairness.
Can I view the waitlist?
Yes! The waitlist is available on our website:
at https://busseltonjettyswim.org.au/event-categories/how-to-enter/
How often is the waitlist updated?
The waitlist updates in real time as swimmers enter and withdraw.
How many people on the waitlist get an entry?
There’s no set number — it depends on how many swimmers withdraw.
When will I be promoted from the waitlist?
That depends on your position and when others withdraw. We’ve already seen some movement and typically see the most withdrawals around key refund dates — 7 December (deadline for full refunds) and 7 January (no refunds after this date).
What are my options if I’m on the waitlist and want to swim?
If you’re on the waitlist, you can:
- Stay on the waitlist in case a place becomes available. If you’re promoted, your entry fee will be processed, and normal refund conditions apply.
- Withdraw and join a 2- or 4-person Team Swim on Saturday, 7 February 2026.
Please note: individuals cannot be simultaneously registered on the waitlist and entered in another event.