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.

The swim is full of regular people who either select an individual or team option as part of the Mooloolaba Charity Swim. Remember it's not a race, but you do need to prepare yourself.

Is there a minimum age to participate?

Minimum age for individual 10km participant is 18yrs

Minimum age for individual 5km participant is 16yrs

Minimum age for individual 2.5km participant is 14yrs

Minimum age for team participant swimming 2.5km is 14yrs

Minimum age for team participant swimming 5km is 16yrs

When is the entry cut off date?

11.59pm on Thursday 25th April 2024.

Will there be an event briefing?

There is a compulsory breifing for those swimmers going around the Island that is optional for swimmers participating in the Mooloolaba Charity Swim. This will be held on Friday 26th April from 5:00pm-7:00pm in the upstairs Training Room at Alex Surf Club.

Do I need to have a paddler for the swim?

No, you do not need to have a paddler for the Mooloolaba Charity Swim, but individual swimmers and teams can choose to have a paddler. The paddler can be your navigator to keep you on course and give you drink/food/encouragement. No boats or Jet Ski’s are permitted as part of the Mooloolaba Charity Swim. All swimmers and paddlers 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 Mooloolaba Chairty Swim.

Where does the swim start/finish?

Check out the course map on our website. The start and finish are in front of the Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club.

What time does it start?

The Mooloolaba Charity Swim commences at Mooloolaba SLSC from 8:00am.

When is the Swim on?

The swim is held on Saturday 27 April 2024.

Where do I enter?

You’re here. Entries are now open.

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.

How many can you have in a team?

You can participate as a Duo (2 swimmers) or Team (4 swimmers).

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.

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 or the event cancelled. All details are explained at the pre-event 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 fund raising targets.

Can I cancel or transfer my entry?

There are no refunds for cancellations at any time.

Transfers to another person are available within a team but you cannot transfer to another person if you are entered in an individual swim. You must email info@myatlasevents.com.au if you wish to make a team member transfer to seek prior approval.

Transfers to another distance may be available but you must email info@myatlasevents.com.au for 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

  1. 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.
  2. The board paddlers may assist the swimmer into the IRB.
  3. If further medical treatment is required, this will be carried out by First Aid on the beach.
  4. 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.
  5. ESD notes patient details – name, contact number etc. Registration advised of competitor name and/or race number.
  6. ESD informs ED of outcome
  7. ED advises patient listed “Emergency Contact” if applicable.