The Shipwreck Coast Swim Series is an initiative between WSLSC, PCSLSC and PFSLSC. The Shipwreck Coast Swim series has been running since 2004.
The series involves three swims in open water at Warrnambool, Port Campbell and Port Fairy. We have also introduced a short course swim, the aim of which is to entice novice and beginner swimmers of allages to have a go at ocean swimming.
The Warrnambool Swim is “The Tony Ryan Memorial Swim”. The Tony Ryan Memorial Swim is held in picturesque Lady Bay. The start is to the west of the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club house. The finish is on the beach at the WSLSC clubhouse.
The Port Fairy Swim is “The Port Fairy Moyneyana Open Water Swim”. The Port Fairy Swim is held on Port Fairy’s East Beach. The course, out through the break, heads west along the beach and back in to the finish.
The Port Campbell Swim is “The Twelve Apostles Plunge”. The Twelve Apostles Plunge is held in the breathtaking cliff bound bay of Port Campbell. The course challenges swimmers to a lap of the bay heading out into the open sea between the heads.
Our aim is to build these events into swims with over 300 participants at each venue and to increase the number of visiting, or non-local participants.
All venues allow excellent spectator viewing and comfortably supports a large gathering of support groups and spectators
Open water swimming is becoming an increasingly popular sport in Victoria. Warrnambool conducted the oldest open water swim in Victoria which was a handicap event – ‘The Hopkins Mile Swim”
Other events such as “The Pier to Pub” at Lorne are world famous with 4,000 hardy souls taking to the water each year.
WSLSC is the oldest Surf life Saving Club in Victoria and continues to thrive in the competitive spirit. PFSLSC was formed in 1951 while the PCSLSC was formed in 1963 with significant help from the Warrnambool club. All three clubs recognise the value in working together for events like our swim series.
This relationship has continued to be strong as Port Campbell goes from strength to strength. Both clubs recognise the advantages in a team approach to such events. All of the Western region clubs have combined resources for the benefit of Surf Life Saving.
Swimming clubs are now looking to open water swimming as an avenue to keep members interested and enthused. The flow on health benefits to the community are obvious.
