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FAQs about our Virtual Challenge can be found here.
A technical issue with the ballot registration system resulted in incorrect ballot outcome emails being sent to swimmers on Monday 12 October 2026.
The Busselton Jetty Swim team identified the issue within two hours and worked closely with registration platform, Race Roster, to investigate the failure, resolve the issue and verify the correct ballot outcomes.
Corrected ballot outcome emails, including instructions on the next steps, were sent to swimmers less than 24 hours after the incorrect emails were issued.
The Busselton Jetty Swim Volunteer Organising Committee sincerely apologises for the confusion and uncertainty this caused. We understand how important these results are to swimmers and sincerely regret the concern and inconvenience caused by this incident.
Please disregard any ballot outcome emails received on Monday 12 October 2026 (AWST). Your correct ballot outcome is confirmed in the email sent by Race Roster on Tuesday 13 October 2026.
No. You do not need to register again.
Congratulations! Your updated email will confirm your successful ballot outcome and outline any further steps required to secure your entry in the 2027 Busselton Jetty Swim.
Payment will be processed within 24 hours using the payment details you provided when registering for the ballot. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email.
We understand this will be disappointing, particularly given the confusion caused by the incorrect ballot outcome initially communicated.
If you were unsuccessful in the verified 2027 ballot, you have two options:
We understand that payment status is a key concern following the ballot system failure.
If your ballot is successful, payment will be processed within 24 hours using the payment details you provided when registering for the ballot.
If you can see a pending transaction or charge on your bank account and have concerns about its status, please contact rego@busseltonjettyswim.org.au.
If you made a payment after receiving the incorrect email and your corrected ballot outcome is unsuccessful, a member of our Registration Team will contact you directly to discuss your situation.
You do not need to take any action at this stage.
Unless you opted out during registration, you were automatically placed on the 2027 waitlist.
If you wish to remain on the waitlist, no further action is required.
You can check your waitlist position here: View waitlist.
There are two ways to withdraw from the 2027 waitlist:
No. You must withdraw from the 2027 waitlist before entering a 2 or 4 Person Team Swim.
Yes. If you are eligible for the offer, you can still receive your guaranteed 2028 entry in the same swim distance you registered for in the 2027 ballot, even if you participate in a 2 or 4 Person Team Swim in 2027.
No. You will only receive the guaranteed 2028 entry if you do not secure a place in the 2027 event by being promoted from the waitlist.
Yes. If you are eligible for the offer and withdraw from the 2027 waitlist by 4 February 2027, you will receive a guaranteed entry in the 2028 Busselton Jetty Swim for the same swim distance you registered for in the 2027 ballot.
The applicable entry fee will still apply.
There is no need to rush your decision.
You can withdraw from the 2027 waitlist at any time up to 4 February 2027, provided you have not already secured a place in the 2027 event through the waitlist.
Please note that if you secure a place through the waitlist, you will no longer be eligible for the guaranteed 2028 entry.
If you are eligible for the offer, you will receive a guaranteed entry in the 2028 Busselton Jetty Swim for the same swim distance you registered for in the 2027 ballot, provided you do not secure a place in the 2027 event through the waitlist.
The applicable entry fee will still apply.
You must withdraw from the 2027 waitlist by 4 February 2027 to remain eligible for the offer.
We understand that some swimmers may have made travel or accommodation arrangements based on the initial ballot communications, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this caused.
As a community-run, not-for-profit event, Busselton Jetty Swim is unable to provide compensation for individual travel or accommodation costs.
The following information is required for each swimmer:
Junior Swimmers are children between the ages of 8 to 12 years.
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.
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:
To complete your registration, there are several payment options:
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:
Solo Swim and One Mile Swim to Shore
Saturday events (Team Swim, 500m Swim and Kids Swim)
The minimum age to participate in the One Mile Swim to Shore or Team Swim is 8 years on event day
The minimum age to participate in Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim is 8 years on event day
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!
Entries to the 3.6km Solo Swim and One Mile Swim to Shore are via a ballot, between 1 and 7 October 2026:
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 $25 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 2026.
A 50% refund is available if requested in writing before 7 January 2027. 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 2027.
Please note that no refunds for swimmer-initiated cancellations will be issued after 7 January 2027, regardless of the situation.
Entries for the 3.6km Solo Swim and One Mile Swim to Shore, including their waitlists, have now closed.
Please note that you must withdraw from your current event or waitlist before registering for another category, where applicable.
To withdraw from your registered event or waitlist, please email rego@busseltonjettyswim.org.au.
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.
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:
Devices that transmit sound or signals to swimmers — inclusive of bone‑conduction headphones — aren’t permitted during the event.
These devices can be great tools in training, but on event day we prioritise situational awareness, safety, and fairness for everyone in the water.
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:
Please note that you must agree to 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:
Important Reminders: Swimmers participating in the Kids Swim, Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim, and the Team Swim must check in on Saturday, February 13, 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.
All swimmers are provided with a timing band which must be worn on their left wrist during the entire race. These bands:
If you decide to withdraw during the event you MUST proceed to the finish lines and provide your timing band to an event official.
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:
Swim caps will be supplied to indicate starting wave and team category and must be worn at all times during 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).
The 4 Person Relay: 4 x 0.9km (total 3.6km).
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:
Team Swim:
One Mile Swim to Shore:
Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim and the Kids Swim:
Swimmers will each receive a participation 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.
Merchandise orders are not posted and must be collected at the event.
If you are no longer attending, please email merchandise@busseltonjettyswim.org.au before 21 January to request a refund.
No merchandise will be posted before or after the event, and refunds cannot be issued after 21 January.
Merchandise can only be collected during the event from the Merchandise store at Signal Park, near the check-in tent.
Merchandise orders are not posted and must be collected in person from the Merchandise Store at Signal Park.
If you withdraw from the event but are still visiting Busselton on event weekend, you may still collect your merchandise as normal.
If you withdraw from the event and are no longer attending event weekend, please email merchandise@busseltonjettyswim.org.au by 21 January to request a refund.
No merchandise refunds will be issued after 21 January.