Swimmers will be able to freestyle alongside world champions at Rotary’s Jalna Big Bay Swim from Port Melbourne to Williamstown on February 26.
Hall of Fame open water swimmer Chloe McCardel, who recently broke Des Renford’s record of 19 English Channel crossings, is ambassador – for the fifth time – of the annual Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand fundraiser.
Melbourne’s shipping channel will close for an hour from 9am as entrants swim 3.2 kilometres from Sandridge beach to Pelican’s Landing Restaurant alongside Gem Pier.
Local resident Michael Harwood, who swims daily off Williamstown with the same ‘pod’, is among regulars who enter the event every year.
“Most people have done six, seven, eight, nine, 10 swims,” he said. “The challenge of 3.2 kilometres is the same distance as across the Heads out in Port Phillip Bay. It’s just a good fundraiser to help the local community.” Rotarian and organiser Ron Coleman said the swim, which started in 1988, was second only to Lorne’s Pier to Pub as Victoria’s longest- running open water swim.
“The Jalna Big Bay Swim gives open water swimmers the only chance to swim across Port Phillip Bay in a fully patrolled event,” he said.
“Better still, it raises thousands of dollars for worthy Rotary causes, including a pirates day for kids with cancer and a youth leadership camp for 80 western suburbs kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Spectators and families can also enjoy our community festival and market on Commonwealth Reserve afterwards and get a free tub of Jalna yoghurt.”
For registration, market stall bookings and sponsorship inquiries, visit bigbayswim.com.au
