Dive into this fun community event and help find a cure for childhood cancer
More than 1,600 swimmers are expected to take part in the Balmoral Swim on 22 March, with the annual event providing the perfect conditions for everyone in the community to dive in. Now in its 35th year, the North Shore event is hoping to raise $200,000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Mosman resident David Hoskings is a long-time ocean swimmer who has taken part in the event for 12 years, both as a participant and as a committee member. As this year’s race coordinator, he won’t be swimming, but will instead join the 100-strong volunteer army set to make the day special.
“I’ve done many aspects of the swim, the 2.5km and the 1km, and I really enjoy it,” David says. “It’s a great community day. I enjoy open water swimming and it’s a really convenient way to do it.”
Participants can choose from six events on the day, including a 1km, 2.5km and 5km swim. There’s also a 200m junior swim, a schools relay challenge and a Balmoral team challenge for those looking for something different.
Better still, the event welcomes swimmers living with disability. “We’re very grateful to Mosman Council with their support in helping us get a ramp from the promenade down to the sand,” David says. “We really encourage all-abilities swimmers to participate.” A beach wheelchair will also be available for use on the day.
Participants are encouraged to register online and set up a fundraising page ahead of the event, with a prize awarded to the highest community fundraiser. The money raised helps the Children’s Cancer Institute to conduct vital research into finding a cure for childhood cancer.
Spectators can join in the fun too, as entertainment will be provided by the Royal Australian Navy who will have members from HMAS Penguin playing in a band on the day. There will also be sponsors’ stalls and plenty of cafes around the venue for those in need of a coffee.
Water conditions will be monitored by the organisers leading up to the day, with increased shark activity having resulted in the postponement of the Cole Classic Swim on the Northern Beaches in January.
“We’re planning for the event, but we’ll be absolutely monitoring (the water conditions). Safety of the swimmers is clearly our number one priority. We’re not going to expose anyone to unnecessary risk,” David says.
The Balmoral Swim
Sunday 22 March
Balmoral Beach, The Esplanade (near Rotunda)
Registrations close 21 March
