I'm not an elite swimmer, can I join in?
The swim is open to anyone with enough TICKER to complete the swim and a HEART big enough to Help the kids from the Nambour, Currimundi and Palmview Special Schools.
Remember it's not a race, but you do need to prepare yourself.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Minimum age is 18
When is the entry cut off date?
Thursday 25th April 2024
Will there be an event briefing?
Yes. There will be event briefing on Friday 26th April from 5:00pm-7:00pm in the upstairs Training Room at Alex Surf Club.
What do I need for the swim?
Swimmers must have a paddler and a safety vessel (boat or jet ski). The paddler is your navigator to keep you on course and gives you drink/food/encouragement. Your paddler must also carry a rescue tube. This is used when the swimmer needs a break (to eat/drink). All swimmers, paddlers and boaties must attend a pre-event briefing prior to the event.
How much is the entry fee?
The Island Charity Swim is a fundraising event with all funds going to the Currimundi, Nambour and Palmview Special Schools. This event is a major fundraiser for the schools and each participant must contribute the minimum benchmark for fundraising. But don’t let that stop you – you’re welcome (and encouraged) to raise as much money as possible. You can find all fundraising information here.
Entry fee's can be found here
There are no refunds or transfers if you cancel or withdraw from the 2024 Island Charity Swim.
Where does the swim start/finish?
Check out the course map on our website. The start is from Mudjimba Beach, out around Old Woman Island then down to Mooloolaba. The finish is in front of the Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club. For safety there is a 'boat exclusion' zone from the start to the Southern end of Old Woman Island. There will be a large buoy south of the Island. All boats must remain south of this buoy. The first team swimmer is required to swim past this buoy before any change over (approx. distance is 1600m).
What time does it start?
The Island Charity Swim commences at Mudjimba from 7:30am.
When is the Swim on?
The swim is held on Saturday 27 April 2024. If organisers consider conditions too rough a contingency plan will be put in place in Mooloolaba Bay.
Where do I enter?
You’re here. Entries are now open.
How long will it take me?
There are many variables in completing the swim. Your swimming ability, tides, winds, swell, and water conditions. But that’s what makes the event so great. It’s safe yet challenging. The fastest swimmers in good conditions are on the beach at Mooloolaba in two hours. However, the course is closed at 12:30pm. You swim will be timed and you will be given an official finish time but remember it's not a race but a life-changing fundraising event.
Can I wear a wetsuit or speed suit?
Absolutely. As thick as you want, as buoyant as you can handle and as fast as you like. It’s not a race so you can wear a speed suit or wet suit. Held at the start of our mild winter water temperature will be high teens to low 20s.
Can I wear flippers?
Yes.
I'm driving a boat, where do I find my swimmer & paddler?
Boats leave from Mooloolaba and wait for their paddler and swimmer on the Southern side of Old Woman Island. Once your swimmer and paddler pass the buoy you can join them. Each boat driver must be aware of other swimmers & paddlers. Be aware of your boat wash and exhaust fumes. Stay out of the line of other swimmers and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Is the start like a triathlon?
There's no punching, kicking or climbing over other swimmers at the start - remember it's not a race. Swimmers generally start 1 minute apart depending on ocean conditions. The vibe is friendly and relaxed – everyone is here for the same reason.
What sort of training should I do?
Sign up for regular updates and check out past stories & interviews. The 100+ swimmers every year have a range of training methods and levels of fitness. We really suggest you join with others in some open water training. Check out past newsletters for contacts and locations of Open Water Swims. Follow us on Facebook and get in touch with others from the Island Charity Swim Family.
Do you conduct practice swims?
We do not conduct practice swims. All training is the responsibility of the swimmer. If you choose to swim around Old Woman Island as part of your training we ask that as a courtesy you notify Mudjimba SLSC.
Where does the $$ go?
Funds raised are split evenly between the Currimundi, Nambour and Palmview Special Schools. A committee made up of representatives of the schools and the Swim community allocate where funds are spent. Along with generous support from many businesses and individuals in the Community the Swim has assisted in providing; electronic interactive whiteboards, funds toward the building of the Currimundi Hydro-Therapy Pool centre, tactile outdoor playgrounds and sensory stimulus rooms. Check out our stories and pics for more detail on the great contribution the Swim has made to the school community. The school, families and kids are greatly appreciative of your fundraising and physical efforts. Donations can be made to the Fundraising Page.
I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS ON THE CHARITY AND NEED A RECEIPT FOR MY FUNDRAISING – WHO DO I CONTACT?
If you have any questions regarding fundraising or the charity please email icssunshinecoast@gmail.com. If your donation has been paid as part of your entry fee for the ICS or the MCS then those funds will be forwarded to the Treasurer of the Island Charity Swim committee after the event. If you require a receipt then you can contact them at icssunshinecoast@gmail.com.
What if the weather is really bad?
Safety is paramount to the success of our event. Atlas Events, supply their expertise in running the logistics for the event. Conditions are assessed on the day of the swim. If it’s unsafe then a contingency plan will be implemented. All details are explained at the pre-race briefing.
Can I pull out of the swim?
You are responsible for your own safety. If you are not feeling well or have an injury that may put your health and safety at risk don’t swim. Paddlers and boat safety are there to assist you and make sure you complete the swim safely. Speak to organisers before pulling out if you are having trouble reaching the fundraising targets.
I’m paddling for someone – what do I have to do?
Your job is safety, navigator, food/fluid supplier and motivator! You must come to the pre-race briefing where your role is explained in full. Basically you have to look out for your swimmer, make sure they’re well hydrated and point them in a straight line from the Island to Mooloolaba.
I’m driving a Boat – what do I have to do?
You are responsible for ensuring your boat is in seaworthy condition, licensed to carry all those on board and carry essential safety equipment. You must report to Mooloolaba Coast Guard on the morning of the swim. All boats leave from Mooloolaba then travel to the Southern side of Old Woman Island.
A large buoy will indicate the boat exclusion zone. No boats are permitted North of the buoy. You must wait around this area to join your swimmer & paddler. Be aware of all other craft and swimmers. Pay special attention to your wash, the line of other swimmers (don’t cut in front of swimmers) and any potential hazards in the water on your swimmer’s course. Your role is explained in full on the pre-event briefing the night before, but feel free to contact us if you need further information.
My boaties needs somewhere to store their boat before and/or after the event. Do you have any suggestions?
We recommend the Mooloolaba Marina for boat storage. Please contact them for more information.
Can I cancel or transfer my entry?
There are no refunds for cancellations at any time.
You cannot transfer to another person if you are entered in the Island Charity Swim.
Transfers to the Mooloolaba Charity Swim may be available but you must email info@myatlasevents.com.au for any fees and availablility.
Evacuation Plan
It is important to note:
All competitors / patients evacuated from the event area are to be taken directly to the race headquarters at Mudjimba SLSC or the nearest patrolled beach (unless specifically instructed otherwise by the ESD).
Event Medical staff will be on hand to assess the situation. In case of a mass evacuation, a siren will be sounded for IRB drivers and paddlers to remove all swimmers from the water. In addition to the siren, radio will also be used.
The ED shall liaise with QPS, QAS and other emergency services.
Incident Response Protocol
- If a swimmer is in distress or needs to be removed from the course they are required to ‘raise one arm straight up’. The board paddler will then make its way towards swimmer taking care with other swimmers in the vicinity.
- The board paddlers may assist the swimmer into the IRB.
- If further medical treatment is required, this will be carried out by First Aid on the beach.
- Patient/s assessed requiring emergency evacuation will be transferred to the Mudjimba SLSC or the nearest patrolled beach and then transported to hospital via Ambulance.
- ESD notes patient details – name, contact number etc. Registration advised of competitor name and/or race number.
- ESD informs ED of outcome
- ED advises patient listed “Emergency Contact” if applicable.