More than 500 swimmers are expected to take the water at Doddi’s Beach for the Mandurah Masters Swimming Club’s Australia Day swim this year.
Competitors from the Peel, South West, Great Southern and metropolitan regions are expected to flock to the beach for what has become an Australia Day tradition in Mandurah, with the club holding their fifth installment of the annual event.
The swim is an opportunity for anyone aged eight and above to participate in an open water dash, with four different distances catering to swimmers of all abilities.
The brand new Alcoa 250 metre Try It Swim has been designed to encourage participation among youngsters and people with disability, while the usual 1km, 2km and 4km options remain available.
Plenty of experienced swimmers will make the dash, using it as preparation for upcoming events like the Busselton Jetty Swim and Rottnest Channel Swim.
Mandurah Masters Swimming Club event coordinator Stephen Ferguson said the event was the biggest on the club’s calendar.
“It’s certainly our largest annual event and we really look forward to holding it every year,” he said.
“We love being part of the Australia Day festivities in Mandurah and we’ve got a real focus to grow the swim as the years go on.
“Having the 250m Try It Swim this year is something we’re pretty thrilled about – it offers everyone the chance to get involved and have a crack at open water swimming.”
Prizes will presented after the swims, while a bacon and egg breakfast is served in true Australia Day fashion.
Swimmers can register online at wowswims.com.au/australia-day-swim or on the day between 7-8am at the Mandurah Yacht Club on Halls Head Parade.
The first swim kicks off at 8.30am.