Couple take long-haul flight for epic swim

Entries for Sunday’s Busselton Jetty Swim were closed by Monday due to a high level of interest in the iconic event.

Event president Max Higgins said next year’s swim would be even bigger to cater for the surge in popularity.

“We reached 1500 entries sooner than ever in the swim’s 18-year history, so we’ll definitely try to expand in the future, ” he said. “We’ve created a monster, but it’s been a pleasure to see it grow into such an iconic event.

“We make sure everything runs smoothly from a safety and organisational point of view and people keep coming back year after year.”

Swimmers start entering the water from 8am on Sunday and live entertainment will add a new dimension to proceedings.

The foreshore is playing host to a busy weekend, with the Busselton Jets Half Marathon and Community Fun Run and the first ever Busselton Criterium taking place tomorrow.

Joining this year’s Jetty Swim participants are Scottish tourists Alex and Marie Douglas, who were so inspired by the community’s enthusiasm for the event they decided to enter.

“The people here are so welcoming, the area is beautiful and we’re even thinking of buying a house here so we can keep coming back every summer, ” Mr Douglas said.

“Having spoken to a few people in the community, they are so enthusiastic about it, so we were motivated to join in and have a go ourselves.

“We might not record the best time in the world, but we’ll have a good time taking part.”