COVID-19 Update
We're dedicated to making sure the 2021 Big Swim is run in a COVID safe way and the event meets all the current regulations.
In order to do this, we require all participants to submit their phone numbers on entry. You will not be able to enter the competition if you do not provide a phone number.
To ensure that we are not over capacity on the day of the event, there are strictly no spectators allowed at this year's Big Swim. Unfortunately, there will be no awards ceremony after the race, and times will not be physically listed on-site at Whale Beach. Instead, times will be posted online after the event is complete.
We appreciate your cooperation with the new requirements this year, allowing us to run the event in a way that ensures everyone's safety.
Race Preparation
Register at The Macquarie Big Swim and/or The URM Little Big Swim tent for your ankle band and swim cap. Registration opens at 7:30am for the Big Swim and 10am for the Little Big Swim.
Wearing a distinctive cap is compulsory for safety reasons; to ensure you’re seen clearly in the water, as well as identifying your wave number.
Flippers are only acceptable in the Fins n Skins event.
Free bag drop is available at Palm Beach, and anything dropped will be transported to the finish point at Whale Beach. This year you will be given a tag to attach to your bag that is the same colour as your cap, which will help you find it at the other end.
The Start
The start for The Macquarie Big Swim is 8:30am and the The URM Little Big Swim will start at 11am.
Waves are generally staggered by gender and age. More detail on waves will be available closer to the time.
Elite Swimmers
Wave 1 is known as the Elite Wave, and will be comprised of elite and other faster swimmers.
There are limited places available in the elite Wave. The top 10% will be determined by reference to the Order of Precedence maintained by oceanswims.com. Swimmers who have not competed in ocean swim before could submit a 1 km pool time for consideration.
For a space in the 2021 Elite Wave, please send an email to thebigswim@whalebeachslsc.com with details and attend the timing tent on the morning of the swim for approval. Entry will be closed 30 minutes before race start time at 10am.
Fins n Skins
The final wave of the race is the Fins n Skins event. This is only wave where flippers and wetsuits are allowed. Should you wish to swim join this wave, make sure you select Fins n Skins on the entry form.
Electronic Timing
Each entrant is fitted with a secure ankle band with a unique computer chip.
At the finish, entrants run over a special pad equipped with sensors which read the chip, instantly tabulating the finishing time and referencing the entrant’s name.
Times recorded by the official electronic timing are the only acceptable times.
For those swimmers entering both The Macquarie Big Swim and The URM Little Big Swim, there are different timing anklets for each race. These should not be worn at the same time.
Times & Results
Times will be displayed on a large digital clock at the finish line at Whale Beach.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19, there will be no awards ceremony after the event this year. Results and winners will be posted as soon as possible via website.
Whale Beach BBQ
Following the race, Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club will be putting on a barbecue, serving sausage sandwiches, rissoles sandwiches and a selection of soft drinks, beers and wine.
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