The first swim was held back in 1974 with just 38 intrepid members of Whale Beach Surf Club competing. Sharks were the big concern in those days and local scuba divers patrolled the bottom in an effort to ensure a safe passage for the swimmers.

The concept for the swim came from Bob Lynch, the father of Barton Lynch, our former World Champion surfboard rider. Sadly, Bob, a police officer, was killed while travelling on his police motorcycle.

The idea of this beach-to-beach, open ocean swim caught on, with numbers of entrants increasing dramatically to a point just shy of 2000 in 2003 and 2004. The Big Swim was not held in 2005 due to dangerous surf conditions. Now, such beach-to-beach, or point-to-point, journey swims have become the favourite swims of fine ocean swimmers.

Other surf clubs have copied the concept and now run swims along the beaches. However, THE BIG SWIM still is considered the premier event that is a must for competent swimmers of all ages.

The Big Swim is sponsored proudly by the MACQUARIE GROUP.

Cancellation

The Macquarie Big Swim is dependent upon conditions on the day. The organisers reserve the right to decide not to proceed with the swim if conditions are considered dangerous. In this case, there will be no rain date, no re-run of The Big Swim.

By swim day, Whale Beach SLSC has already committed to significant expenditure in order to prepare for The Big Swim. The Club is liable for this expenditure irrespective of whether the swim goes ahead.

Whale Beach SLSC is a registered charity and a public benevolent institution. In the event of cancellation of the event, entry fees will not be refunded.

Cooler water

In the event of cooler water on race day, please note this advice from our Honorary Medical Officers   ...

REDUCING THE RISK OF HYPOTHERMIA ON THE BIG SWIM

The Macquarie Big Swim is one of the longer swims on the Sydney calendar with an average completion time over the years not much under 60 minutes.

Unseasonably cold ocean water can occur, as it did last season, 2007. Cooler water raises concerns for all swimmers regarding hypothermia. Safety must come first, second and third. In response to this, the organisers give the following advice to all swimmers:

1. If the water temperature on the day is less than 19 degrees Celsius, wetsuits or rash vests will be allowed. Swimmers who wear wetsuits will have their times recorded, but they will not be eligible for prizes in age groups or open categories.

2. If you would expect to take more than 60 minutes or are prone to becoming cold, a rash vest or wetsuit is very strongly advised. If possible have a friend meet you on the beach with a dry towel; wrap up quickly.

3. You may wish to bring a second cap (particularly a thick silicone cap) to wear under the race cap.

4. If concerned during the swim put your hand up; the IRBs will be carrying space blankets.

5. At Whale Beach there will medical attention at the Boatshed.

The Macquarie Big Swim is an annual event on the Sydney Ocean Swim calendar now since 1974. The safety of all competitors is of paramount importance.

Whale Beach SLSC Incorporated