Rotto Swim turns 21

Safety is the key message as the WAtoday Rottnest Channel Swim turns 21. Rottnest Channel Swim Association president Raymond Yong said 2011 was shaping up as the best swim yet.

“We’ve put an added emphasis on safety because we have a full ballot of swimmers,” Raymond said.

“That means not only will there be thousands of swimmers on the water, there will also be lots of boats and paddlers supporting them. Once again we want to make sure everyone gets to Rottnest in great shape.

“To do that, our emphasis is on making sure skippers know they are the key ingredient to their swimmer’s safety and the safety of those swimmers in their immediate vicinity, all the way to Rottnest.”

Early on Saturday, February 26, 2300 swimmers will take to the waters at Cottesloe Beach for the 19.7km swim across the Indian Ocean to Rottnest Island. Raymond said the 20th anniversary of the swim last year was a milestone and testament to the continued enthusiasm into the event’s 21st year for all swimmers – whether they have been in every event, or just made their channel debut.

“It’s such an iconic event on Western Australia’s calendar and indeed on the international swimming calendar,” he said. “We’re excited about the continued support from swimmers who want to be part of the event, so we’re working very hard to make sure our preparation for the day is thorough.”

Event details:
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011
Start: Cottesloe Beach from 5.45am. Last swimmers leave the beach at 7.30am.
Finish: Thomson Bay, Rottnest. First swimmers are expected from 9.45am. Last swimmers must hit the beach by 5pm.