Frequently Asked Questions

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Click on the category name below and all questions relating to the category will be displayed.

FAQs about our Virtual Challenge can be found here.

The following information is required for each swimmer:

  1. Name
  2. Have you swum the event previously using another surname (for collating swimmer results and milestones)
  3. Estimated swim time (for determining start wave) – Solo 3.6km only
  4. Gender
  5. Date of birth
  6. Address
  7. Mobile phone number
  8. Email – Please don’t use your work email – We recommend you use your private email address for entering the swim or signing up for notifications. Many swimmers miss vital communications from us as their work server blocks emails with attachments, or our news and automated emails could trigger spam settings or filters. Other swimmers miss key communications because they are on holidays at key times without access to work emails.
  9. Emergency contact (name and phone number of somebody NOT swimming on the day)
  10. Any medical conditions (in some instances this may be provided to the medical team in case of emergency)
  11. Are you using a swim aid? (wetsuit, flippers, snorkel, speed-suit, pull buoy)
  12. Special needs. Is there anything we can do to make you feel safer and more supported?
  13. Number of times you have completed the swim (including the upcoming event)
  14. How did you hear about the swim?
  15. Why are you participating and do you have a story to share?
  16. How may family/friends/colleagues will be coming along as spectators/supporters
  17. Any suggestions for event organisers?
  18. How many nights you will be staying in Busselton (option for local resident or day visit)
Junior Swimmers are children between the ages of 8 to 12 years.
 
Safety first
The safety of all swimmers is our top priority. To ensure a safe environment, we have established guidelines regarding minimum ages and require proof of swimming ability for children participating in their chosen distance.
 
Documentation requirements
Parents or guardians must submit all necessary documents that demonstrate your child’s swimming capability. Please email these documents to juniors@busseltonjettyswim.org.au by January 20, 2026
 
Check-in process
At the time of swimmer check-in, parents or guardians will need to sign a declaration and waiver. This is an essential part of the process to ensure the safety and commitment of all participants.
 
Swimming awards
Please note that no award will be given to the youngest swimmer in any swim category.
 
Competency requirements
Only swimmers who are competent, fit, and adequately trained for the distance they wish to compete in should enter the event. We encourage all parents and guardians to assess their child’s readiness before registering.

The Team Captain is responsible for registering the team, completing their own personal information, and processing the team payment. After this, a link is sent to the other team members, who must each complete their own registration and agree to the Swimmer Waiver.

Changes to team members are limited: there can be up to 2 swaps for a 4-person team and 1 swap for a 2-person team.

Our goal is to include swimmers of all levels; therefore, each swimmer may only enter one swim event over the weekend (except for the 500m Swim). If you have entered the ballot or are on the waitlist for the 3.6km Solo Swim or the One Mile Swim to Shore, you are not eligible to enter the Team Swim. Anyone found to have duplicate entries, including being on a waitlist, will forfeit both entries and face a two-year ban.

Yes and no.

Swimmers may enter Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim on Saturday and one Sunday event.

This rule also applies to waitlists.

  • Example: You cannot enter the One Mile Swim to Shore if you are already on the waitlist for the Solo Swim.

  • Example: You cannot enter both the Team Swim and the Solo Swim.

If you register for more than one Sunday event (including waitlists), both entries will be removed from the event.

To enter the event, you must register by either:

  • Entering the online Ballot which opens on 1st October 2025 and closes 8th October (Solo Swim and One Mile Swim to Shore) 
  • Registering online during the registration period (October to January, dates to be advised)
Please DO NOT swim without a valid entry, for the sake of yourself and your loved ones, as well as for Surf Life Saving, your fellow swimmers, and the event organisers. Each year, our event is closely monitored for safety. If we cannot demonstrate that we run a safe event, the Busselton Jetty Swim will not be permitted—that’s simply how it is.
 
We (Surf Life Saving and the volunteer event organisers) require every swimmer’s entry details at a minimum to assist with our duty of care on race day.  As an unregistered swimmer, we do not have access to your name, age, fitness level, special needs, medical conditions, or emergency contact information. Additionally, you have not agreed to our conditions of participation or accepted responsibility for the risks associated with open water swimming.
 
Please note that any breach of the Race Rules or Code of Conduct will result in the swimmer(s) being banned from participating in the event for a period of two years. Every unregistered swimmer creates uncertainty in our event management and raises direct concerns for the volunteers who are doing their best to ensure the safety of you and 6,000 other swimmers. Please do not disrespect the volunteers, Surf Life Saving, or your fellow swimmers, who all work hard to make the Busselton Jetty Swim a fantastic annual event.

To complete your registration, there are several payment options:

  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • PayPal

The estimated swim time (EST) is required for the 3.6km Solo Swim and is used to assign your start wave (the fastest swimmers start first). 

How can I swim with my friends?

To swim with your friends, ensure you choose the same estimated swim time. It’s best to avoid popular times like 60, 70 or 80 minutes if you want to start together.  Instead, consider selecting an unusual time, such as 87 minutes.  This increases your chances of being in the same start wave. 

Can I change my EST?

Yes, swimmers can log in to their entry and edit their details, including estimated swim time, via the link in your confirmation email.  You will receive this link after your payment has been processed.

To update your details, you have two options:

  1. Log in to your account: Access your registration and make the necessary amendments directly.  You will be able to log in to your account after your payment has been processed, and your entry is confirmed. You cannot access your entry during the ballot period or if you are on the Waitlist.
  2. Email us: If you prefer, you can reach out to us at rego@busseltonjettyswim.org.au, and we’ll be happy to assist you with your changes. 

Solo Swim and One Mile Swim to Shore

  • No payment is taken when you enter the Ballot (1–8 October) or when you join the Waitlist (after the Ballot draw).
  • You will still provide your payment details at registration.
  • If you are successful in gaining a place, your payment will be processed automatically between 15 October and 21 January.
  • Please make sure your card details are up to date and funds are available during this period

Saturday events (Team Swim, 500m Swim and Kids Swim)

  • Payment is processed immediately when you register.
The minimum age to participate in the 3.6km Solo Swim is 12 years on event day.
 
All 12 year old participants (Juniors) must provide a Level 10 swim certificate from Royal Life Saving (or an equivalent certification). Additionally, they need to submit a letter from a swimming coach or swim instructor confirming their competency to complete the registered event and distance in open water.
 
Only swimmers who are competent, fit, and adequately trained should enter the event. We encourage all parents and guardians to assess their child’s readiness for the 3.6km swim in open water before registering.

The minimum age to participate in the One Mile Swim to Shore or Team Swim is 8 years on event day 

All 8 to 12 year old participants (Juniors) must provide a Level 10 swim certificate from Royal Life Saving (or an equivalent certification). Additionally, they need to submit a letter from a swimming coach or swim instructor confirming their competency to complete the registered event and distance in open water.
 
Only swimmers who are competent, fit, and adequately trained should enter the event. We encourage all parents and guardians to assess their child’s readiness for swimming their chosen distance in open water before registering.

The minimum age to participate in Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim is 8 years on event day 

All 8 to 12-year-old participants (Juniors) must provide a Level 8 swim certificate from Royal Life Saving (or an equivalent certification).

Participants in the Kids Swim must be 8 to 12 years on event day.

All swimmers must provide a Level 8 swim certificate from Royal Life Saving (or an equivalent certification). 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we have implemented specific risk controls for the Kids Swim:

Adult presence: We ask that adults refrain from entering the water during the Kids Swim. This allows our Surf Life Savers to focus exclusively on the children, ensuring they can perform their duties without distractions.

Child supervision: To further enhance safety, we limit the number of children to 8 per wave, with 30-second intervals between each wave. 

Special needs support: If your child requires additional on-water support, we encourage you to submit an email request to juniors@busseltonjettyswim.org.au. Each request will be considered fairly and on its individual merits to ensure we can accommodate specific needs.

Thank you for your cooperation in making our Kids Swim a safe and fun event!

For the 3.6km Solo Swim and One Mile Swim to Shore:

  • On closure of the Ballot period, entries to these events will be allocated by random draw.
  • All entries that are unsuccessful in the Ballot will form the original Waitlist.
  • You may still enter the Waitlist after this time.  However, we recommend you enter the Ballot on 1st October, because those unsuccessful entrants will automatically be placed at the top of the Waitlist after the Ballot is drawn.
Refunds for entry fees can only be issued according to the timelines outlined below.  These conditions apply to all refund requests, regardless of the situation.  After the specified dates, entry fees become non-refundable.
 
If you cannot participate, you will need to withdraw in writing via email to rego@busseltonjettyswim.org.au.
 
Full refunds, minus a $15 administration fee ($5 for the Kids Swim), are available only if requested in writing or via email to rego@busseltonjettyswim.org.au before 10 December 2025.
 
A 50% refund is available if requested in writing before 7 January 2025.  After this date, all entries and waitlist promotions are non-refundable.
 
For Kids Swim withdrawals, a full refund minus a $5 administration fee is available until 21 January 2026.
 
Please note that no refunds for swimmer-initiated cancellations will be issued after 7 January 2026, regardless of the situation.
To ensure fairness for all participants and those on the waitlist, entry swaps or transfers between swimmers are not allowed. 
 
If a registered swimmer is unable to compete, they must officially withdraw. Their spot will then be allocated to the next eligible person on the waiting list through the registration system.
 
Again, private swaps will not be permitted. Any person swimming under someone else’s entry or in an incorrect category will face a two-year ban for both the swimmer and the individual whose entry was misused.

To request a change in your swim category, please email rego@busseltonjettyswim.org.au.

Please note that there may be a waitlist for the event you wish to change to. Normal waitlist rules apply. You cannot be registered and/or waitlisted for more than one event (except for the 500m Swim). For example, you cannot be registered for the One Mile Swim while also being on the waitlist for the Solo Swim. Swimmers who violate this rule will be removed from all registrations and waitlists for the event.

Team Member Changes

For teams of two, only one member change is allowed. For teams of four, a maximum of two changes is permitted. This includes changes made from the time of registration until the start of the swim.

Replacement swimmers must either register online or complete an entry form and sign the swimmer waiver online or at Check-In.

Team Withdrawals

If your team is unable to participate, please withdraw by emailing rego@busseltonjettyswim.org.au.

The next team on the waitlist will take your place.

You may also be eligible for a refund.

  • Wetsuits and/or swim-aids are permitted but participants using these will not be eligible for awards
  • Wetsuits and/or swim-aids must be declared upon entry. Swim-aids include flippers, snorkels, wetsuits, pull buoys, speed-suits
  • Swim aids include any device or swimsuit that may aid his/her speed, buoyancy or endurance;
    • Flippers
    • Snorkels
    • Wetsuits
    • Pull Buoys
    • Speed suits
  • Swimsuits must be approved by World Aquatics (previously FINA) to be eligible for awards.  

If your swimsuit provides extra speed, buoyancy, or endurance, it is considered a swim aid and must be declared when you enter (or at swimmer check-in). You won’t be eligible for awards, but we’ll still recognise and applaud your accomplishment.

To be eligible for awards, swimsuits must be approved by World Aquatics (previously FINA).  For more information visit World Aquatics approved swimwear

Acceptable swimsuits:

  • Are made from a ‘textile fabric’ material
  • Are flexible and soft folding
  • Have not had outside treatment added
  • Do not contain buoyancy
  • Are not thicker than 0.8mm
  • Do not cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or extend past the ankles
  • Do not contain zips or other fastening systems

 

No. On water safety and support is provided by Surf Life Saving and personal support paddlers, vessels or swimmers are not permitted. 

If you feel you have a special need requiring your own support or provisions, prior written permission from the organisation must be obtained and must be indicated as part of your online entry.

No. On water safety and support is provided by Surf Life Saving and personal support paddlers, vessels or swimmers are not permitted. 

If you feel you have a special need requiring your own support or provisions, prior written permission from the organisation must be obtained and must be indicated as part of your online entry.

All participants are required to check-in in person to collect their registration pack, which includes a swim cap, timing band/chip, and race number tattoo.

Check-In Location: Signal Park, Busselton Foreshore

What to Bring:

  • Photo ID
  • eTicket (this will be emailed to you in the days prior to the event)

Please note that you will need to sign an event waiver before receiving your registration pack. As such, you cannot collect a pack on behalf of another swimmer unless you are their legal guardian and the swimmer is under 18 years old.

Check-In Hours:

  • Saturday, February 7:
    • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Kids Swim, 500m Swim and Team Swim
    • 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Solo Swim and One Mile Swim
  • Sunday, February 8:
    • 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM (check-in will close at 7:00 am sharp)

Important Reminders: Swimmers participating in the Kids Swim, Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim, and the Team Swim must check in on Saturday, February 7, by 12:00 PM

For underage swimmers, a parent or guardian’s photo ID will be accepted.

All participants are required to check-in in person to collect their registration pack.

You will need to sign an event waiver before receiving your registration pack. As such, you cannot collect a pack on behalf of another swimmer unless you are their legal guardian, and the swimmer is under 18 years old.

EVERY swimmer must wear their timing band, race number tattoo and allocated swim cap at all times during the race.  This includes every swimmer in every team.

Timing Bands 

All swimmers are provided with a timing band which must be worn on their left wrist during the entire race.  These bands:

  1. Accurately record the time from when you cross the timing matts at the start and finish lines 
  2. Ensure event organisers can account for all swimmers.

If you decide to withdraw during the event you MUST proceed to the finish lines and provide your timing band to an event official.

Race Tattoos 

EVERY swimmer, including all team members, must display their race number tattoo on their front left thigh and left arm at all times during the race. 

Please apply your race number tattoo vertically on:

  • FRONT left thigh (preferred option), AND
  • FRONT left arm
  • Tattoos may be applied to a wetsuit.

Swimming Caps

Swim caps will be supplied to indicate starting wave and team category and must be worn at all times during the swim.

Frequently Asked Questions 1
Check-in closes at 7:00am on Sunday.
 
The swimmer briefing will begin at 7:15am near the start area at the foot of the Jetty. After checking in, please prepare for your swim and drop off your gear at the bag drop if necessary, then proceed to the start area for the briefing.
 
After 7:00am, the check-in marquee will close, and all key registration personnel will move to the finish area to make final preparations for the swim.
 

Yes, you should be prepared. These are seasonal, as for most of the coastal areas of lower Western Australia.

Preventative measures include wearing a stinger suit or rash vest and applying protective lotion. 

If stung, please attend a first aid station or seek advice from a Surf Life Saver.

Solo Swim: 3.6 km.

Start on the beach, swim out to the end of the Jetty, go around the Busselton Jetty, then swim back to shore on the other side.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, the signature 3.6km Solo Swim will commence with a rolling start.

The Swimmer Briefing will be at 7:15am at the foot of the Jetty.

At 8:00am the Gold Cap swimmers will begin the race in a mass start.

All other swimmers will commence the swim from the beach starting from 8:01am. The rolling starts will occur in intervals, with swimmers grouped according to their swim cap colour.

Listen carefully for announcements and be ready to move to the beach when your cap colour is called. – Don’t worry about queuing alongside participants with different cap colors; your official swim time will be recorded as you cross the timing mat.

One Mile Swim to Shore: 1.6km.

Allow 30 minutes to walk to the far end of the Jetty. 

For a gold coin donation to a local sport club, a bag drop service will be available.  You may only use the blue sling bags provided.  These bags will fit a hat, water bottle, shirt, and thongs only.

Enter the water on the western side of the Jetty, at the ramp near the Underwater Observatory and swim to the beach to finish.

The One Mile Swim to Shore will commence with a self-seeded rolling start format. This allows you to choose your spot in the start chute.  Feel free to line up alongside your friends and family to swim together

Your swim time will be recorded from the moment you cross the timing mat to enter the water.

The Team Swims will commence with a self-seeded rolling start format.

This allows you to choose your spot in the start chute.  Feel free to line up alongside your friends and family to swim together

Your swim time will be recorded from the moment you cross the timing mat to enter the water.

All distances are estimates, and actual distances will vary.

The 2 Person Relay: 2 x 1.8km (total 3.6km).

  • First leg: Start in front of The Goose, swim out 900m, duck under the Jetty and swim back to the beach transition to the west of the Jetty. 
  • Second leg: Start on the beach to the west of the Jetty, duck under the Jetty and swim out 900m.  Duck back under the Jetty and swim to the finish. 

The 4 Person Relay: 4 x 0.9km (total 3.6km).

  • First leg starts on the beach in front of The Goose, swims out 450m, ducks under the Jetty and heads back to the beach transition to the west of the Jetty. 
  • Second and third legs start on the beach to the west of Busselton Jetty, duck under the Jetty, swim out 450m, duck under the Jetty, and swim back to the same place on the beach. 
  • Fourth leg starts at the beach transition area to the west of the Jetty, ducks under the Jetty and swims out 450m, then ducks under the Jetty and swims to the finish line. 

Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim: 500m

Commences on the beach in front of The Goose.  Swimmers head out 200m before ducking under the Jetty and swimming to the finish line.

The 500m swim will commence with a self-seeded rolling start format. This allows you to choose your spot in the start chute.  Feel free to line up alongside your friends and family to swim together

Your swim time will be recorded from the moment you cross the timing mat to enter the water.

The Kids Swim: 220m

Start on the beach, swim around the outside of the Swimming Jetty and finish on the beach.

All participants in the Solo, Team, and One Mile Swims will receive a finisher towel as they exit the finish chute, celebrating their achievement.

Trophies will be awarded according to the following categories as detailed in our race rules. To ensure you receive your awards, please collect them at the event, as we do not mail awards or trophies.

Solo Swim:

  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place – Overall Male
  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place – Overall Female
  • 1st Place Male and Female for each age category.

Team Swim:

  • 4 Person Teams: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place
  • 2 Person Teams: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place 

One Mile Swim to Shore:

  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place – Overall Male and Female

Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim and the Kids Swim:

Participants will each receive a medal and a hat upon completion. Please note that there are no awards for these events.

Awards and trophies will be presented on the beach. Please watch for more information.

Trophies must be collected in person at the event, as they will not be mailed out.

If you are unable to attend, trophies may be collected by someone designated as your proxy.

All attempts are made to have the results available on the day of the event, after presentations. The results will available from the website before 7:00 pm on the day.

Parking near the foreshore will be limited, so please consider car-pooling and be prepared to park away from the foreshore and walk.

On Sunday, overflow parking will be available at Signal Park and Churchill Park West for a gold coin donation (proceeds will go to the Busselton Primary School P&C). 

Bike racks are situated along the foreshore, with additional temporary bike racks located at Signal Park.

City of Busselton rangers will be on duty and may issue fines for parking violations. It is your responsibility to understand what rules are in place and what the potential consequences of breaking them may be. 

Click the button below to download a City of Busselton Parking Map.

Download “City of Busselton Parking Map” Parking-Map-Busselton-2025.pdf – Downloaded 47250 times – 4.14 MB

Bag Drop

  • A bag drop service is available for a gold coin donation.
  • The service is run by volunteers from the Robins Hockey club, and all proceeds are donated to the club.
  • The service is located in the amphitheatre on the foreshore.

One Mile Swim to Shore 

  • A bag drop service is also available at the start of the One Mile Swim to Shore event.
  • A bag will be provided and will fit a water bottle, t-shirt, hat, thongs and phone.
  • Bags will be transferred the bag drop on the foreshore after the swim starts.
  • Please note, fast swimmers may reach the foreshore before their bags, so there may be a delay in receiving your bag.