Swimmers enjoy stunning conditions for Busselton Jetty Swim

Conditions for the 2024 Busselton Jetty Swim could not have been better for the 4455 athletes taking part in the 29th annual event.

The Busselton Jetty Swim has grown from humble beginnings in 1996 when just 80 people made the swim to a whole weekend event.

More than 10,000 people enjoyed the swim events, free concert and other activities over the weekend, despite an unplugged cable in the timing machine causing some dramas at the end of the event.

The event started on Saturday with a host of family activities, a shorter swim event and both a half and full-distance marathon.

The day wrapped up with a Battle of the Bands competition and a free concert at the foreshore amphitheatre, where the Beautiful Girls performed to a packed foreshore.

The main swim started at 8am on Sunday, when mayor Phill Cronin led the countdown to the shotgun start.

The start is staggered to give athletes space on the swim, with the high-speed elite swimmers first to start the 3.6km swim.

One of the teams competing this year was a group of specialist nurses from Perth raising money for a Busselton child and his family.

A freak accident left the active four-year-old Vance with spinal injuries.

The team of nurses have raised more than $6000 for him so far.

Team lead Kim Camille told the Times this was her ninth time at the Jetty Swim and the second time fundraising.

“I’m here with the team to complete the swim and raise some money for an amazing cause,” she said.

It took some time for the starting crew to work through the enormous queue of swimmers that snaked along the foreshore.

First over the line in the male race and breaking the record for the fastest swim time again was Kyle Lee, with a time of 00:38:48 for the 3.6km open water swim.

In second place was Kaiden Richings with a time of 00:38:55 and Hayden Ferguson was third with a time of 00:40:57.

The female race was won by Rosie Wilson with 00:42:54. Chloe Truscott took second place with a time of 00:43:11 and Amie Holwill was third with 00:45:56.

2024 event ambassador and current record holder for the fastest female Jaimie Bowler said this year’s event did not disappoint.

“There really is nothing like Busselton jetty Swim. It’s a challenge, but it’s also fun because the vibe is always incredible, with people from all walks of life participating and celebrating each other’s achievements,” she said.

The Jetty Swim will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year and the team is already planning something spectacular.