It was to be the 25th Anniversary of the Winter Whale’s swim. But for the first time in the history of the event, it was cancelled minutes before it was due to start.
The weather was perfect, the water not so! Big swells, and difficult condition’s around at the point. The organizing committee being cautious after the incident at the Australian Life Saving Titles, and that the mini swim had gone ahead, with quite a few problems. Decided that 2500 people in the water at once was quite a big risk.
In the mini 800m swim, the boys who went first had a lot of trouble even getting out off the beach, with quite a few giving up. They redirected the girls, in the hope they would find it easier. Not to be. A lot were swept way off course, needing to be rescued. Water safety numbers were tested and a rubber duck was flipped trying to get to some of them. Keep in mind these were young kids! The final straw was losing an 11 year old girl for a few minutes, which I bet felt like an hour! Finally they found her way off course but still trying to swim in.
They made the right call. Safety has to be the number one priority.
So once people realized there would be no race today, they were left to stand on the beach to contemplate their next move. While some did swim it, determined souls. If they had required assistance, I’m sure they would of expected it? I think they were ignorant and a little foolish, especially with many people surfing the conditions in the same spot the few swimmers were trying to come in.
We hung around for a while, Meaghan quite relieved that she didn’t have to swim it, the large dumping shore break didn’t appeal to her at all! Dave was with the swim camp crew and once they officially couldn’t swim due to insurance cover being voided. They hopped back onto the tour bus and left to eat lunch and play a game of touch football.
So again I find myself with one frame that summed up the warm May Sunday.
Warm, Stunning location and a crowd of swimmers with nothing to do 
The image above does not do the rough conditions justice, there was around a 3 foot swell at the point and on both beach fronts, start and finish.
