Jetty swim a family challenge

For one Busselton family, tackling the annual Busselton Jetty Swim has turned into a family affair.

Picture by Becky Felstead

Husband-and-wife Simon and Belinda Dennis, together with Mr Dennis’ father, will all individually take on the 3.6km swim around the town jetty.

While the solo swim is nothing new for Mrs Dennis, having previously completed it five times, this will be Mr Dennis’ first attempt.

“I’ve been taking inspiration from Belinda and my dad, and thought I needed to step-up this time,” he told the Times.

“I don’t really have a timing goal for the swim, but I’m planning just to hold some good form throughout.”

Mr Dennis, who is an engineer, said the swim had some additional significance as he was involved in the jetty’s reconstruction.

“I’ll try to have a look at the structure from the water along the way,” he said.

Mrs Dennis said she would be looking to better her time from last year after rough conditions made the swim very difficult.

“I’m also training for the half-Ironman, so this will help in my training,” she said.

The couple said the swim was a stepping stone for anyone looking to take up long-distance swimming.

“Having the jetty as a guiding post throughout the swim is great instead of doing the distance swim without anything in sight,” Mr Dennis said.

As for competing against each other, Mr Dennis admitted he did not stand a chance against his wife.

“I’m definitely out of my comfort zone, and I’ll readily admit it,” he said.

The Busselton Jetty Swim is on February 5. To register, visit www.busseltonjettyswim.org.au.