Sell-out Jetty swim breaks records

A record number of participants will make a splash at the iconic Busselton Jetty Swim next Sunday.

Founder Max Higgins told the Times on Wednesday the event had already sold out.

“We lifted the capacity to 1750 this year and we reached our limit a week ago, ” he said. “We still turn a lot of people away so there’s potential to go bigger in the future.

“Next year it’s our 20th anniversary so we’re preparing for 2000 people. It’s seems there’s high demand.”

The swim closes a weekend of sports entertainment on the foreshore, which begins with the Busselton Jets Half Marathon Community Fun Run and Walk next Saturday morning followed by the City of Busselton Criterium.

Perth pop sensation and X-Factor winner Samantha Jade will headline a free community concert from 1pm next Sunday.

“We’ve got an elite field of swimmers coming from Perth who use it as a training ground for the Rottnest Swim, ” Mr Higgins said. “We’re also offering $1000 prize money to anyone who completes it in under 40 minutes.”

A stand-up paddle board race will take place immediately after the swim for the first time this year, he added.