2023 Rottnest Channel Swim
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2023
Our Team Is Right Beside You
Celebrating 125 years
as a leading, independent
Western Australian law firm.
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Photo: Peta North
Contents
President’s Message 3
A message from South32 4
Records 5
2023 Champions of the Channel 6
Participant Story – Tamara & Bay Bruce 8
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Solo Swimmers 9
Participant Story – The Whale Sharks 11
Participant Story – Carri & Tegan’s Shirt Design 13
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Duo Swimmers 15
Participant Story – Sam & Mitch (RAC Swags) 17
Ferry Timetable 18
PRE-EVENT INFORMATION
Skipper Information 20
Swimmer Safety 21
Managing the Fleet 22
Is Your Boat Ready? 23
Setting your Course & the Rotto Swim App 24
Paddler Information 25
Pre-Event Checklist 26
THE SERIOUS STUFF
The Start 2A
The Channel 3A
The Finish Channel 4A
The Finish Line 5A PULL OUT AND
Course Map 6A
Support Boat Skipper Information 8A TAKE WITH YOU
Shark Awareness and Re-Entry 9A ON SWIM DAY
On Water Emergencies and Drone Rules 10A
Event Rules 11A
Event Key Times 12A
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Lavan Charity 28
Challenge Swimmers
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Team Swimmers 29
Looking Back at 2022 37
History of the Swim 38
Past Soloists 40
The South32 Rottnest Channel Swim is organised by the Rottnest Channel Swim Association Inc.
Executive Officer: Joshua McCleery – (08) 6555 3970 / admin@rottnestchannelswim.com.au
Event Officer: Rosie Paul – (08) 6555 3970 / info@rottnestchannelswim.com.au
Admin & Marketing Coordinator: Caitlin Crowley – (08) 6555 3970 / query@rottnestchannelswim.com.au
Graphic Design & Printing: PaperScout – paperscout.com.au
Maps: Definition – defn.com.au
Photography: Aussies In Action – aussiesinaction.com.au
Clip Media – clipmedia.com.au
Jarrad Seng – jarradseng.com
All rights reserved. No material published in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written au-
thorization from the Rottnest Channel Swim Association. Every endeavour has been made to ensure the information
contained within this magazine is correct at the time of going to print.
Committee members pictured (from left to right): Scott Turner, Iain McCarrey, Rosie Paul (staff), Rob Herkes, Kirsty Bellombra,
Shane Cartwright and William Rollo. Not pictured: Joshua McCleery (staff) and Caitlin Crowley (staff)
President’s Message A Round of
On behalf of everyone at the Rottnest Channel Swim Association (RCSA), it is
my pleasure to welcome you to the 2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim.
Applause!
We would like to extend a huge
As relative normality seems to be set back After the 2022 Event, we said goodbye to our
in, it’s so heartening to see our national Executive Officer, Nic Blackburn, who had
thank you to all of the following
and international participants starting to been with the RCSA for over 5 years. I would people who help make this year’s
return to the Swim. It is a true reminder that, like to thank Nic for all the initiatives he Event possible with their time,
although the South32 Rottnest Channel put in place during his time with the RCSA, knowledge and support in the
Swim is undoubtedly an event for the West pushing the Event to continue to grow and lead-up to and on the Event day.
Australian community, it is truly world-class evolve for the better. Joining the team was
and one of the most iconic open water swims
We consider you all part of the
our new Executive Officer, Joshua McCleery,
in the world. and a new position was born for Caitlin Rotto Swim family and the 2023
Crowley who came on board as our Admin South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
The South32 Rottnest Channel Swim is an
important part of the WA sporting calendar
& Marketing Coordinator, joining our Events wouldn’t be the same without you!
Officer, Rosie Paul. I place a great deal of
and provides an opportunity to thousands
trust in the small team at the RCSA to ensure • RCSA committee and staff
of people each year to complete the
the Event runs safely and smoothly. I would
remarkable achievement of conquering the • RCSA volunteers
like to thank them for the hard work they’ve
Rottnest Channel. Encouraging participants • All our sponsors
put in to ensure the Event is better than ever.
to lead a healthy lifestyle through their
A further thank you to the Committee of the • All our service providers
months of training as well as the mateship
RCSA who, in their volunteer capacity, are • Chief Referee, Race Director and Race
and comradery grown through participating
constantly on call to better the Event and the Officials
in the event is something the RCSA is
wider Association.
incredibly proud of. • Support boat skippers and paddlers
My thanks go out to our amazing volunteers • Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue Group
At the RCSA, we strive to excel in safety,
who help us not only on race day but in the and supporting groups for on-water safety
ensuring we’re setting high national and
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
lead-up to the Event. I would also like to
international safety standards. Safety is • St John Ambulance and paramedics
thank our wonderful sponsors who continue
always at the forefront of our minds when
to share and support our vision for a safe • Sports Medicine Australia
making decisions on how we can improve
and rewarding day for all. We have built • Rottnest Island Nursing Post
the Event. Collaborating with the University
an incredibly strong partnership with our • Department of Health
of Western Australia and Aurora Offshore
naming rights sponsor, South32, who have
Engineering on the Route Optimisation Tool • Surf lifesavers
continued to support the RCSA for over four
already proved incredibly effective in the
years and who continue to improve the lives • Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation
2022 Swim in minimising the time swimmers
of the West Australian community. • Rottnest Island Authority
spend in the water and, therefore, reducing
their risk of injury. Further developments I wish you all the best of luck in undertaking • Rottnest Island Rangers
in the tool will ensure participants have the this incredible challenge and I can’t wait to • Department of Transport (Marine Safety)
best chance possible to complete their cheer for you at the Rottnest Island finish line!
• Department of Fisheries
crossings safely. The Rotto Swim app was also
KIRSTY BELLOMBRA • WA Police
proved to be a vital resource for participants
President of the Rottnest Channel Swim
in 2022 and will continue to provide • Fremantle Port Authority 3
Association
participants with important event updates, as • Town of Cottesloe
well as allowing people to track the progress
• Water Patrol Australia
of their loved ones.
A message from Graham Kerr, CEO of South32
As one of Western Australia’s most Congratulations to everyone at the
iconic community and sporting events, Rottnest Channel Swim Association and all
South32 is honoured to sponsor the the volunteers. It’s thanks to you that the
Rottnest Channel Swim again in 2023. swim happens each year, so that together
we can help create healthier, stronger and
To us, the event symbolises everything
happier communities.
that’s great about WA – our love of the
ocean and life outdoors, fitness, adventure To everyone taking part, good luck
and mateship. and stay safe. An open water swim of
nearly 20 kilometres is no mean feat
As a global company headquartered
and I wish you well for this impressive
in Perth with operations in Australia,
endeavour. It also makes me
Southern Africa and the Americas, we are
incredibly proud to see two South32
proud of our partnership with the Rottnest
teams taking part this year and I look
Channel Swim, supporting them to make
forward to cheering them on.
this incredible event possible.
We look forward to seeing you at the
finish line.
Graham
Thank you to our 2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim sponsors and partners.
rottnestchannelswim.com.au
4
Records
SOLO RECORDS TEAM RECORDS
First crossing Fastest male team
1956 Gerd von Dincklage 2018 Tommybay 3:36:36
9:45:00 Reilly Kennedy, Callum Lauriston,
Nicholas Rollo, William Rollo
First female crossing
1969 Lesley Meaney Fastest female team
(nee Cherriman) 2001 Steve Smith’s Aspire
9:35:00 Fitness 4:14:47
Melissa Benson, Diane Bevan,
Fastest male
Natalie Benson and Tammie Smith
2018 Solomon Wright
3:59:28 Fastest mixed team
2014 Millsy’s Minions 4:09:24
Fastest female
Guy Harrison-Murray, Heidi Gan,
1993 Tamara Bruce
Kieran Trump and Solomon Wright
(Natural Jetty) 4:10:03
2018 Heidi Gan
MOST SOLOS
(Thomson Bay) 4:21:55
Male
DUO RECORDS Andrew Page
36 crossings to Rottnest
Fastest male duo
2001 Timewise 3:55:54 Female
Jarrad Nederpelt and Barbara Pellick
Travis Nederpelt 30 crossings to Rottnest
Fastest female duo
2014 Sacha: 4:22:46
Jamie Bowler and Sacha Downing
Fastest mixed duo
2012 Team Shotz Nutrition 4:08:11
Heidi Gan and Simon Huitenga
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
5
cham p i o n s o f t h e c h a n N e l
The 2023 Champions of Showing great versatility and speed in the
5km with an 8th place finish, Lee’s tenacity
had a much quieter year than her teammate
and has used this time to make major
the Channel sees an elite was even more on display throughout the improvements in her training.
field set to line up for the 25km race as he took it to the best ultra-
Arguably in career-best form, Truscott was
marathon swimmers the world has ever seen.
marathon 19.7km swim. Sitting second for most of the race, Lee would
a dominant winner at the WA 10km State
Championships, taking gold by over two
Sure to be one of the most thrilling finishes ultimately hold on for 5th place – the only
minutes. Additionally, Truscott broke the
ever, you won’t want to miss witnessing 20 of swimmer under 21 to place within the top 5.
Rotto Swim Thru record in December by
the top national open water swimmers fight
Lee will come into Rotto 2023 as the red- one second, taking the title from open water
for the title of Rottnest Channel Champion.
hot favourite but comes up against stiff swimming legend, Jamie Bowler. This season
Headlined by none other than the defending
competition as fellow Australian Dolphin and has seen Truscott move away from her
champions, Kyle Lee and Chloe Truscott,
Queenslander, Bailey Armstrong, is set to take reliance on stamina as she combines speed
2023 promises to be the biggest challenge for
to the water. Armstrong, who has represented and high-level endurance to claim victory. As
either athlete as they aim to retain their titles.
Australia on numerous occasions, will be Truscott attempts to take out her third Rotto
Wearing number #1 for the first time, Kyle Lee racing to Rotto for the first time but has an Swim win in a row, she will have to contend
had a monumental season in 2022 starting array of experience in the marathon scene. with an array of incredible national talent to
with his maiden Rotto Swim victory. From get the top spot.
The third-place finisher from 2022, Max
there, Lee went on to represent Australia at the
Coten, will also enter the race vying for the Spearheading the attack is Madisyn
2022 FINA World Championships in Hungary,
top position alongside fellow top competitor, Armstrong, an Australian Dolphin with
swimming in the 5km and 25km races.
Byron Kimber, both of whom have had an experience at the sport’s highest level.
impressive summer in the WA open water Armstrong will enter the race having spent the
swim series. majority of her preparation in Europe, racing
throughout their summer season. Bringing her
In the women’s race, a similar story looks to be
international experience with her, Armstrong
shaping up with Chloe Truscott, the back-
is the fastest female swimmer in the field but
to-back champion, also in spectacular form.
will be tested by the distance and unexpected
Truscott, who trains alongside Lee at North
conditions the South32 Rottnest Channel
Coast Swim Club with coach, Ian Mills, has
Swim provides.
JOSIE
rottnestchannelswim.com.au
PAGE
BYRON
KIMBER
CHLOE
TRUSCOTT
6
Josie Page enters the race for the sixth time, 2023 Champions of the Sure to be one of
looking for the elusive first place. Having come
second for the past three years and reaching Channel Competitors the most thrilling
the podium for the previous five races, there
is, undoubtedly, only one achievement Page is
MEN’S finishes ever, you
looking for. With a consistent year of training
1 Kyle Lee (21)
won’t want to miss
2 Max Coten (19)
and some solid local results, 2023 may just be
Page’s year. 3 Byron Kimber (21)
witnessing 20 of the
Rising star, Bianca Monaco, enters the race 4 Bailey Armstrong (24) top national open
for the first time and is sure to be a name to 5 Nicholas Rollo (24) water swimmers
remember. Monaco claimed the state title
in the 5km and 7.5km races in 2022 and will
6 Hayden Ferguson (17)
fight for the title of
7 Jacob Dearle (20)
be a formidable competitor, no matter the
8 Andrew Morris (17)
Rottnest Channel
conditions. At just 15 years of age, the future is
bright for Monaco. 9 Thomas Dreverman (16) Champion.
Adding to the competition, former winner 10 Thomas England (27)
Rebekah Weller is back in action, alongside
WOMEN’S
another Queensland competitor and wildcard,
Katelyne Irwin. 11 Chloe Truscott (24)
12 Josie Page (23)
Regardless of the winners, there’s no doubt
the 2023 Champions of the Channel is another 13 Rebekah Weller (29)
great leap forward for open water swimming 14 Rosie Wilson (18)
in Western Australia. With the development
15 Madisyn Armstrong (22)
of our elite competitors, the race will only
continue to become more and more exciting. 16 Bianca Monaco (15)
17 Katelyne Irwin (27)
18 Jessica Fry (16)
19 Aimee Lea (23)
20 Olivia Smith (24)
Swim Swim
Channel 2022
KYLE
Channel
LEE
Rottnest
BEC
Rottnest
WELLER
South32
South32
2023
7
i n g i n a L eg e n d s
Follow
Foo t s t e ps
Now a renowned open water swimming legend, it was in Bay first floated the idea of following in her
footsteps, Tamara admits she tried to talk him
1992 when Tamara Bruce, 14 at the time, first made waves out of it. As Tamara put it, “swimming a solo is a
at the Rottnest Channel Swim. big deal”.
Nothing short of spectacular, Tamara a number of monumental swims around Ultimately, Tamara’s “chuffed” Bay wants to
conquered the Rottnest Channel, beating-out the world and become a member of the dominate the Rottnest Channel, just like she
world champion swimmers and setting a new International Marathon Swimming Hall of did. Tamara’s advice for Bay is valuable for
record – one which she would come back and anyone attempting the swim.
Fame in 2017 among an abundance of other
break the following year. achievements. “Stay well-hydrated and don’t look for the
Island. You’ll think you’re closer than you are”,
rottnestchannelswim.com.au
Standing at Cottesloe beach with roughly 30 Now, over 30 years on from Tamara’s
of the best open water swimmers in the world Tamara warns, reminiscing on her first solo
triumphant Rotto Swim debut, another Bruce
by her side, 20kms of choppy water between crossings where she didn’t have the luxury of
is set to step up to the sandy start line at
her and Rottnest Island, reporters waiting buoys to guide her to the island – just her sight
Cottesloe and conquer the Rottnest Channel
for a show stopping finish, Tamara wasn’t as of the iconic Wadjemup Lighthouse.
for the first time.
nervous as you might expect. She remembers While this year’s South32 Rottnest Channel
fondly, “I just loved swimming and I loved the Tamara’s son, Bay, will attempt his first solo Swim is just the beginning of Bay’s swimming
open water.” The tough competition, rough crossing of the Rottnest Channel this year. At journey, if he’s following in his mothers’
conditions and media attention just adding to just 14 years of age, he’s proudly following in footsteps, there’s bound to be exciting
the fun of the day. his Mum’s footsteps. achievements on the horizon!
Tamara’s record-breaking swim back in 1992 Not only as an elite open water swimmer, but
was just one of the many achievements that as a swimming coach, Tamara is well aware
8
have marked her swimming career. Tamara of the commitment needed to complete
went on to swim 10 solo crossings, finish a marathon swim. So much so, that whenSOUTH32 ROTTNEST CHANNEL
Swimmers
as at 13 December 2022
Solo SWIMMERS Jed Brewer Jordan Doropoulos Ian Hemmings Ed Litton
Oliver Bridgman Daniel Douglas Jake Henderson Lindsay Livingstone
1 Kyle Lee
Cooper Brinkworth Scott Draper Blair Hendriks Marc Loader
2 Max Coten
Dianna Broadhurst Anran (Anna) Duan Peter Hendriks Kate Long
3 Byron Kimber
Colin Brodie Rachel Duczynski Alison Hillman Richard Lucas
4 Bailey Armstrong
Lucas Brown Aaron Duncombe Anton Hinton-Bayre John Lucivero
5 Nicholas Rollo Stuart Brown Sam Dundas Jake Hollibone Russell Lynton-Brown
6 Hayden Ferguson Angie Brown Kate Dunn Dan Holthouse Ben MacKinnon
7 Jacob Dearle Damon Brown Sally Dymond Amie Holwill Chris MacQuillan
8 Andrew Morris Phoebe Browne-Cooper Rebecca Eastwell Amir Homayfar Andrew Macray
9 Thomas Dreverman Chad Browning Rachael Edwards Jason Hooper Danielle Maguire
10 Thomas England Rebecca Bruce John Edwards Meg Hopkins Hailey Mainwaring
11 Chloe Truscott Bay Bruce Bree Elliott Matt Hopkins Kimberley Mann
12 Josie Page Lee Campbell Tom Ellis Grace Hounslow Jessica Mann
13 Rebekah Weller Erinn Campbell Tegan Engler Nicholas Hughes Julia Mansfield
14 Rosie Wilson Teleah Canavate- Liam Epps Brett Huitenga Kim Martens
15 Madisyn Armstrong Blankendaal Leesa Equid James Hull Jesse Martino
16 Bianca Monaco Yolanda Carstens Tom Esze Alyce Hull Danieka Masterton
17 Katelyne Irwin Tori Carta Rylan Fabrici Ben Humphreys Ingrid Matthews
18 Jessica Fry Joel Carter Leigh Farnell Taleisha Hurford Neil McAllister
19 Aimee Lea Jaymn Cary Brynne Farrell Caelan Hurley Jeremy McClure
20 Olivia Smith Jeannette Casotti Anthony Ferguson Tom Hutchings Brett McGhie
Thomas Abraham Nichola Cassidy Charmaine Ferguson Brett Jackson Jordan McGrath
Alan Albert Philip Cave Roger Fiedler Sinead Jameson Maddilyn McGrinder
Chris Alexander Hayley Chaplyn Josh Findlater Brett Jardine Grace McGurk
Stuart Anderson Jarrod Chapman Elinor Fleming Sarah Jemerson Shane McGurk
Tahlia Andrews Nicholas Chapman Alistair Fleming Sasha Johnson Kate McInerney
Chris Aplin George Chesters Melanie Flux Taegan Jolly Kate McMahon
Jack Archer Lauren Christian Sam Fogarty James Julian Natalie Mews
Rachel Atkinson Claire Ciccotosto Jodie Forlonge Steve Kane Jonathon Miller
Julian Atlas Adam Clapp Kate Forrester Jarrett Kang Paul Miller
Thomas Bahen Elle Clark Claire Fowler Ryan Kayser Cyrus Milne
James Baker Nancy Clarke Robert Franco Simon Keall Peter Miocevich
Damien Baldwin Jessica Claxton Tessa Garside Michelle Keegan Emma Moir
Imogen Balharrie Scott Clayton Matthew George Michael Keeley Niamh Moloney
Amy Bannerman Shaun Cleaver Oliver George Nicholas Kehoe Niall Mooney
Deane Barker Lachlan Clinch Rebecca Gibb James Kelleher Glenda Morgan
Jye Barnett James Clothier Tom Gilbert Rory Kelly Justin Moro
Mitch Barns Findlay Clover Hayley Glasson Ashlyn Kendall Daniel Morris
Nicole Barrett Isabella Cockburn Luke Goard Scott Keniston Lisa Morrison
Mark Barwood Kate Cooke Regine Goh Dean Kerns Bethaney Morrison
Jamie Basche Scott Corcoran Jorja Golding Adam Kiley Flossy Morrison
Kayla Baxter Ash Cornish Caitlin Golding Flavia Kiperman Lynton Mortensen
Ben Baynard-Smith Glenn Corrie Andrew Gosling Jeremy Knowles Tulasi chaitanya Mothukuri
Julie Covich Andree Gould Sebastian Knudsen Urs Mueller
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
Joe Bennett
Jackie Bettington Leon Cox Imogen Gracie Alysha Krall John Muir
Christopher Binns Katie Crawford Jack Greaves Izzie Kris Raoul Mulder
Jason Black Keala Crawley Bob (Adam) Green Kathryn Kubicki Sian Munks
Damian Black Gavin Crisp Mike Gregory Madoc Lanfear-Appleby Brooke Murphy
Emily Bland James Cumming Sam Griffiths Tamera Lang Mark Murphy
James Boggan Tom Cunneen Benjamin Grigg Troy Lathwell Christine Murray
Yale Bolto Harley Cupitt Ben Grigson Georgia Law Rowland Murray
Michael Bones Melissa Dale Jacqueline Grljusich Martin Law Leon Musca
Jim Booth Daithi de Baroid Tara Grout Terence Le Milliere Jack Myers
Jeff Booth Mitchell de Vries Daisy Grundy Simon Leahy Ashvinie Nadarajah
Taryna Botek Vinka de Vries Jess Hales Brendon Lear James Nelson
Guy Boyce lisa delaurentis Michael Hall Gregory Lecrevisse Declan Newing
Steven Boyd Dennis Devereaux Justin Hanby Michael Ledger Mark Newman
David Brackstone Marc Dickson Sam Harlick Tyson Lee Leigh Newman
Kristy Brackstone Shannan Dixon Alana Harper Krista Lewis Brianna Newmham
Matthew Dixon Debbie Hart Emma Lewis Paul Newsome 9
Julie Bray
James Breed Jeremy Dodds Aine Hassey Kate Lindley Tom Neylan
Susan Dolgoy Russ Haxby Clayton Lindley Chen Wei NgSOUTH32 ROTTNEST CHANNEL
Swimmers
as at 13 December 2022
Aleisha Niebieszczanski Katherine Penrose Brianna Rositano Mitchell Smith Luke Upfold
Sascha Niedinger Jaimie Perry Alan Rotsey Hugh Smith Levi Valenti
Joanne Norman Glenn Pesich Peter Rowe Rhys Spicer Abbey Valentine
Connor Norregaard Darren Pesich Benjamin Ruett Annemie Sprenger De Trevor Van Aurich
Steve Norregaard Brittany Pethick Liam Ryan Rover Maria van der Plas
Andrew Noseda Bianca Petite Gary Ryan Alexandra Stephen Christine van Deventer
Conor O’Brien Ella Phelan Tiffany Ryan Mark Stephens Cameron Vernon
Michael O’Connor Gavin Pilossof Brenton Rzepecki Jim Stevenson Heidi Wade
Sean O’Dea Katrina Porter Phil Salter Michael Stone Tully Warner
Lachlan O’Donoghue Andrew Poultney Danielle Sampson Nadia Strachan Jamie Warnock
Troy OKeefe Chalise Pratt Fiona Sandrock Steven Stringer Mark Watters
Suzanna Olsen Jay Prchal Troy Santen Thomas Sullivsn Rowan Webb
Georgia Ongarezos Andrew Prentice Tiana Scarvaci Joanna Sykes Katy Welch
Jack Osborne Kareena Preston Juliano Scarvaci Cale Symons Stephanie Whelan
Gavin Outridge Sam Prodonovich Keith Schils Justin Tang Kal Williams
Andrew Page Claire Rainford Marc Schregardus Patrick Tang Jon Williams
Ruth Page Megan Rex Anke Schwedat Michael Taranto Rohan Wills
Maddy Palfrey Jaye Reynolds Will Scott Bob Tarr Jane Wilshaw
Eloise Palmer Kristine Ricci Derek Sexton Kate Thew James Winney
Rachael Pantin Anthony Ricigliano Kristen Sheppard Matthew Thomas Adam Witt
Liam Pardini Sam Rix Georgia Simich Justin Tidbury Fletcher Wolpers
Lauren Jayne Patane Emily Roberts Thomas Simich Campbell Tirant Rosie Wood
Jesse Patane Ceinwen Roberts Marin Slunjski Anna Torok Katharine Wright
Ben Patrick Ross Robertson Lauren Smaniotto Jaimee Traeger Jeffery Young
Jane Pay Ian Robertson Eleanor Smith Jeremy Trott
Michael Payne Tim Robinson Katherine Smith Delia Troy
Greg Peirce Casey Rollnik Aaron Smith Jon Turner
rottnestchannelswim.com.au
10r s t t i m e
Not the i r fi
u n d t h e c h a n n e l
‘ro
With well over 40 years of cumulative swim gives her the space to reflect on her day Susan, Liz, Tracy, Tania and Mark are also,
experience tackling the swells and and shake off any stress, always leaving the absolutely, critical to their continued success.
spells of the Rottnest Channel – calling pool calmer than when she entered. While this might not win them the race, it
the Whale Sharks veterans of the Rotto Or maybe this team can dig deep year after
could well be the secret to conquering the
Swim could be an understatement. year because the South32 Rottnest Channel
channel time and time again and, in turn,
raising a vast amount of funds for a well-
Desiree and Jane, along with their daughters, Swim is a prime opportunity to support a
deserving cause.
Danella and Sarah respectively, make up this cause close to their hearts.
long-standing team. Not only are the Whale Competing in the Lavan Charity Challenge,
About Starlight Foundation:
Sharks best of friends who share close family this years’ swim, like many of theirs previously, For over 30 years, the Starlight Children’s
ties, but they’re all medical professionals is dedicated to fundraising for the Starlight Foundation has brought happiness, joy and
too, both mothers’, Paediatricians, and Children’s Foundation. laughter into the lives of kids and teens facing
daughters’, general doctors. serious illness. The Foundation uses play, social
It’s through both their professional and
This team is so strong in spirit, that despite connection and creativity to foster positive
personal lives that this team have seen,
the challenging conditions of last years’ experiences for those facing the pain and
first-hand, the impact this foundation has on
event, they’re back and ready to conquer the stress of serious illness as well as their families.
sick kids in Perth. Starlight was responsible
Channel once again in 2023. So, what’s the for giving the late Savanna Addis, a close Through numerous programs, each delivered
secret to their longevity? friend of the team, the opportunity to travel in partnership with medical professionals
It could be their passion for open water to the Gold Coast and fulfill a number of and supported by research, the Starlight
swimming and the positive impact it can dreams before she passed in 2018. Savanna Children’s Foundation proudly creates over
have on their day-to-day lives. More than and her family remain an integral part of the half a million Starlight Experiences each year.
just a way to keep active, swimming acts as a team’s lives.
The Whale Sharks are aiming to raise
welcome relief to this team’s high-intensity The Whale Shark’s ‘slow and steady’ over $2,500 for the Starlight Children’s
occupations. approach to Rotto Swim is what Danella Foundation this swim. To show your support,
Danella notes that “if you can get up in the humbly credits as their reason for so many head to: rottnestchannelswim23.grassrootz.
morning, go down to the beach and jump into successful crossings. Their skipper of the com/starlight/whale-sharks
the ocean water, you’re going to have a great last 20 years, Glen Stevens, and dedicated
day at work.” In a similar way, an afternoon support crew of over 12 years made up of
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
1120% OFF
ALL GOGGLES
USE CODE:
ROTTNEST
rottnestchannelswim.com.au
12
EXPIRY 28TH FEBRUARY 2023I Can’t Do It
My S e l fie !
Tegan Engler and Carri Forrester design skills, they were on to a winning
worked as a team to create the combination.
winning 2023 South32 Rottnest Carri and Tegan managed to capture the
Channel Swim Shirt Design. fun and the excitement of the whole of
Carri knew how hard it could be to get a Rotto Swim; from the iconic start line at
spot in the swim and wanted to do whatever Cottesloe Beach to the excitement of the
she could to make sure she didn’t miss finish line at Rottnest Island – plus who
out. When she saw the 2023 Shirt Design couldn’t love a friendly quokka in the mix!
Competition, an idea sprang to mind – Carri and Tegan’s friendship was born out
although she knew she didn’t necessarily of open water swimming when, short on
have the skills to bring it to fruition. a team swimmer, Carri got coaxed into
Carri roped in her friend, Tegan, promising joining Tegan’s team. The two became fast
something exciting to show her. Tegan friends and now, as Tegan puts it, “we can’t
was presented, as she put it, with scribbles get rid of each other”! You might catch the
resembling a squashed cat trying to take pair swimming together at Coogee Beach
a selfie. “I want you to make something and you’ll also catch them both swimming
out of it” Tegan recalls Carri asking. Tegan at Rotto Swim this year. Maybe you’ll get
definitely had her work cut out for her, but to see them re-enacting their winning shirt
with Carri’s photographer eye mapping design at the finish line!
out the concept and Tegan’s great digital
P R I VAT E L U X U R Y C H A R T E R S
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
SPECIALISING IN THE WESTERN AUSTRALIA COASTLINE AND BEYOND
ROTTNEST ISLAND KIMBERLEY REGION 13
CARNAC ISL AND ABROLHOS ISLANDS
www.superyachtsperth.com.au paradise@superyachtsperth.com.au 0409 309 811Kaya! Kaya! Kaya!
Wadjemup
Hello, welcome to Wadjemup!
We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people We pay special respect to the men and
as the Traditional Owners of Wadjemup / boys whose bodies still rest beneath the
Rottnest Island, their continued connection sands of Wadjemup, and to the families
to the island and its waters and pay our respects and descendants who lost them.
to Elders past, present and future.
During your visit to Wadjemup,
we encourage you to connect with
Aboriginal history and culture
and share with others.
To learn more, visit rottnestisland.com IMAGE: CAKEWALK MEDIASOUTH32 ROTTNEST CHANNEL
Swimmers
as at 13 December 2022
DUO SWIMMERS 490 Cut Corners 508 North Beach Babes 526 The Nobody’s 550 Bowl of Fruit
Graham Iddles Club Michael Martin Annie Gilchrist
MALE Ryan Webb Bryan Sam John Paul Schwenke Harry Gilchrist
473 2 Crafty Dads craig berry
491 Dirty Rag 527 The Ol Boys 551 Catches of the Day
Christopher Walker David Alston 509 Oceanauts One James Farnell Jenny Taboni
Nick Stenhouse Patrick Prendiville Dim Sakkas Joshua Liveris Tilly Johnston
474 2Days2Rotto Randall Cooper
492 Driftwood 528 The Slackers 552 Channel the Marlin
Brian Day Adam Outridge 510 Omega Wolves Don Wilson David Barbour
Jason Day mark hackett Fletcher Barr Steven Wilson Maryanne Pemberton
475 Aussie Frogs Julian Mills
493 Drowned Rats 529 The Swimming 553 Cheese and
Brad Maff Jake Davis 511 Peroni Pals Sparkies Crackers
Nico Thebaud Robert Bullen Karl Paganin Marvin Jones Alan Rickard
476 Barry Woodhouse Michael Paganin Max Smith Carri Forrester
494 Flapping Mullets
Joel Janissen Dylan Roberts 512 Puss puss 530 Under 10 hours 554 Chloe + Eli
Matt Power Jaim Hunt Tom Sangster Rob Bunning Chloe Gwynne
477 BEVwards William Ogden Sean Webb Eliana Hardie
495 Floreatdolphins
Henry Edwards David Maggs 513 RAC Swags 531 Voltaren 555 Chook&Shaz
Patric Beaven Ethan Allegret Mitchell Kent Adam Haling Brooke Tkachenko
478 Billecart Salmons Samuel Kimberley Dallas Dunlop Shannon Miller
496 FM RADIO
Mark Radford Ash Gibson 514 Rock Fish 532 WCH battlers 556 Cookie Monster
robin scrimgeour Liam Dey Chris Sweeting Joel Latham René Watson
479 Birdstylefishes Duco Sickinghe Matt Sporn Tully Graimes-Harrison
497 Geordie Bay
Brady Knight Brewing Co 515 Saba’s Duo 533 Wet Rascals 557 Corrickle’s
Greg Hancock Nathan Bodlovich Jarrod Ng Robert Rickie Elise corrick
480 Black Max Vincent Ciccarelli Liam Fernandes Steven Newton Phil Corrick
Aaron Maxwell 498 Gerd 516 Sack of Potatoes 534 Wizard Watchers 558 Cott2Rott
Paul Blackbeard JACK LEAVERSUCH Angus Stewart Daniel O’Sullivan Oliver Cull
481 Black Top Red 30 Lochlan Farrell Tom Prior Scott Moore Sabrina Bilston-John
Liam McMahon 499 H&H 517 SargenStew MIXED AND FEMALE 559 Crossing Paths
Peter Delaney Asher Horgan Craig Brooks Chelsea Unwin
542 2X G(n)T
482 Blokes Who Stroke Justin Horgan Stewart Collingwood Georgina Docherty
Gabi Taranto
Ben Hooper 500 Hammyheads 518 Ship wrecked 2 Grace Taylor 560 Deja Moo
Crosby Radburn Alan Ramsay Daniel Baini Ella Adams
543 Adios Beaches
483 Bolton-Brunswick Douglas ohalloran Thomas Ffoulkes Rex Bakker
Alice Dormer
Brainonators 501 Jack & The Giant 519 Squid Kings Giorgia Beasley 561 Delfini
Jamie Bolton Beanstalk Jacques Flouzat Brooke Maddestra
544 Ally and the
Joseph Brunswick Jack Varney Julian Bulich Flynn Blackburn
Drowning Quokka
484 Browntown Boys Jack Durward
520 SSD Alexandra Hackett 562 Distance Dolphins
Dylan Burgess 502 Jayson Mark 002 Jeremy Mulcahy Michael Hackett Natasha Angelidis
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
Rowan Brown Jayson Stephens Tom Franklyn Olivia Power
545 Aquaholics
485 Bust up Mark Mulvay
521 T n D Katie Waddell 563 Dizzywizzy
Ben Evelegh 503 Lion Vs Tuna David Clements Leah Martin John Sullivan
oliver evelegh Edward McRoberts Todd Mead Nadia Auletta
546 B, K & C
486 Chenjera Gondo Lewis Viney
522 Team Kiwi Bastiaan de Boer 564 Dory on Tour
Brett Fox 504 Liquid Mix Andrew Roberts Katja de Boer Christine Freak
Levi Fargnoli Dean Cackett Scott Shepherd Harriet Raleigh
547 Baby Sharks
487 Clarkey & Harro Sean Murphy
523 Team Zach & Ned Ella Fracaro 565 Double Fin & Tonic
Ian Harrison 505 Macaroni Ned Eldon Nikki Cullingford with Lime....Large
Richard Clarke Cameron McDonald Zach Martinick carina costello
548 Blowie
488 Continuous Evan Mcdonald William Adlam
524 The hungry boys Ben Waterman
Disorganisation 506 Maz&Adam Jack Wilson Chloe Harrison 566 Double on the rocks
Richard Devlin Adam Martin Kaiden Richings Renee Waller
549 Body Biomechanics
Simon Wheeler andrew maslen Tracey Shaw
525 The Money Makers Taneka Pearce 15
489 Coogee Commoners 507 NeddBrockmann Tom Hay Telisha Crannage 567 Eliza & Eloise
Matthew Powers Will Maginness Tom Wittenooom Eliza Kelly
Phil Graham William Carroll Eloise ShawSOUTH32 ROTTNEST CHANNEL
Swimmers
as at 13 December 2022
568 Empower 585 I got it from my 602 Oh Buoy, we missed 619 Stingslays 636 Tiger Mums
Emma Moon mama the ferry Alicia Carbone Catherine Rawsthorne
Shane Matthews Pamela Serafino Donna Yates Emily Cleaver Nicole Annson
Vincenzo Serafino Sarah Kirby
569 Feidi 620 Suzanne Lefroy 637 TJ
Heidi Butterworth 586 If Only Finley Could 603 Pocket Rockets Neil Johnson Joshua Mitchener
Mark Prendiville Swim Sandra Fay Suzanne Lefroy Tayla Rump
Christopher Stear Vicki Baroni
570 Fi&Marie 621 Swannie Shambles 638 Turtle and Turbo
Nichola Stear
Fiona Williams 604 Power Duo Rachelle Doyle Rachel Tan
Marie-Eve Cigna 587 Invaders 2023 Martha Cornwell Robert Franklyn Teale Lyon
Fran Johnson Sacha Fulton
571 fish f00d 622 Switch Hand 639 TWO FINS
Harry Leather
Darcey McDonald 605 Prawn Stars Jasmine Wynen-Gaugg Alexandra Marsh
Indi Bueddemann 588 Just Friends Millie Sales Mikaela Kelsall Lucy Kitching
Megan Nagel Orla Young
572 Fish Fingers 623 Tao Te Swim 640 U2
Rebecca Swain
Elena Van Kampen 606 Price-less Kyle Moore Kyle Quaid
Lauren Harding 589 K&K Billy Jerry Simone Wilson Rachel Ross
Kacy Page Courtney Price
573 Flippin Fabulous 624 Team Doubell 641 Walrus & Mermaid
Kristen De Marco
Clancy Banfield 607 quicc n’ thicc Frances Doubell Michael Cook
Isabelle Early 590 Kate and Max Lane Kruger Ivan Doubell Shannon Bowron
Kate Timmons Paolo da Silva
574 Forgot my Flippers 625 Team Hewitt 642 Water Warriors
Max Dowling
Maree Stewart 608 Ranga and The Wog Charlie Hewitt Kath Moss
Roxanne Visser 591 Keiko Uno Eva Mallon Daisy Hewitt Triston Cooke
Jaime Bowler Jack Michael
575 Four feet No beat 626 Team Jess 643 West Coast Cailíní
Naomi Watters
Hanya Furdas 609 Reactivity and Carroll Selwood Emily Gallagher
Moranda Morey-Stephens 592 Kiiiyyd’s Crew Function Paula Miller Louise Dervan
Koby Gough Emely Flamenco
576 Frolicking 627 Team Tiwi 644 Wicked Sisters
Lisa Burgess Kate Panizza
Travelators Isabelle Zendler Barbara Pellick
Clare Woolfrey 593 Kiwi Pom 610 Reymeron Jack Zendler Susan Johnston
Jonika Mosedale Laura Manley Christie Cameron
628 Texstralians 645 Yamba Girls
Matt Richmond Melinda Reynolds
577 G&K Propellers Lauren Bailey Frances Aird
Gerry Fallara 594 Last Resort 611 sass & gas Sydney Hodges Jayde Halvorson
Konrad Schmitz Alice Harwood Chris Gibson
629 The Beached 646 Yeah the Gills 2.0
Jane Harwood Soo-Im Lim
578 Gals With Gills Belugas Hannah Uglow
Charlotte Cummins 595 Leisure Lane 612 See you at the pub Georgie Day Peri Hawks
Ella Seeley Harrison Abrahams Dean Gittos Lily Eddison
647 Zak & Yak
Jessica Madden Kate Cawse
579 George & Mildred 630 The Better Halves Sophie Yaksich
Cameron Robertson 596 Libby’s Girls 613 SETS Felicity Gallagher Zachary Saunders
Lily Strugnell Elizabeth Anderson Dexter Wright Luke Paganin
648 Zennamal
Suzzanne Laidlaw Olivia Mirams
580 Gillty As Charged 631 The G Team Anna Bonadeo
Jessamy Burton 597 Lizard and the 614 Shark bait Georgia Seed Zen Durbidge
Katie Baronie Shaw Irishman Natalie Chua Guster Laufmann
649 Zzzzzztttttt
Ciaran MacMathuna Tamila Anderson
581 Head down, don’t 632 The Has Been’s Heather Liebregts
Elizabeth Murdoch
drown 615 Shark Boy Lava Girl Chelsea Exell Katherine Mackenzie
rottnestchannelswim.com.au
Ella Cook 598 Lucky shamrocks Grady O’Connell Kyle Murray
Nick Bakker Hugh Stuart Matilda Colwell
633 The Pink Ladies
Lauren McLean
582 HenDuo 616 Sissy’s Neve Hathway
Abbey Henderson 599 Mac Attack Louisa Curtis Sarah Bone
Mia Henderson Ellie Macaulay Ruth Sangster
634 The Taddies
Matt Macdonald
583 Hungry Green 617 Squid Safari Adelyn Curtin
Higgos 600 Nina and Jordan Kaitlyn Burmeister Nat Curtin
Aaron Green Jordan Leahy Zoe Davidson
635 This calls for BBQ
Elodie Higgins Nina Scheer
618 Stadium Tri Chicks shapes
584 Huss and Hubb 601 Noodles & Beans Amie Thompson Scarlett Ribbans
Jasmin Hussey Coco Smargiassi Hannah Posnett Zachary Ribbans
16
Khy Hubbard Ned ShepherdNo Challenge
To o G r e at !
The South32 Rottnest Channel Swim is, undoubtedly,
an epic conquest. Swimming 19.7km through open
water, battling currents, winds and swell, as well as
pushing your body to the limit – you have to be pretty
courageous to tick Rotto Swim off the bucket list.
For Sam Kimberley and Mitch Kent, getting to combine their
love for the outdoors, adventure and their competitive drive
made Rotto Swim the perfect challenge for them. However,
there’s another reason why this Rotto Swim might be a bit
more challenging for Sam and Mitch; Sam is part of the
dwarfism community.
Sam has promised both he and Mitch will give everything they
can on the day of the swim but knows their biggest challenge will
be speed. “Mitch and I both aren’t the fastest swimmers and we
certainly ain’t going to break records, however, will do everything
we can to ensure we make it over”.
By taking up the challenge of completing the South32 Rottnest
Channel Swim in 2023, Sam’s hope is to “bring awareness to the
community that people with dwarfism are capable of achieving
many great things and shouldn’t be limited to what they can and
can’t do due to their physical appearance”.
Meeting in high school back in 2010, Mitch and Sam have been
thick as thieves ever since. When they’re not training together on
a Saturday arvo, you might catch them travelling around the state
in their 4WDs. Their team name, RAC Swags, actually came out of
one of their big camping adventures but you’ll have to ask them
for the story behind it (it’s a bit of an inside joke).
Alongside their family, friends and support crew waiting for them
at the finish line, make sure to cheer on and celebrate with Sam
and Mitch as they conquer the Rottnest Channel!
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
From the pool to the podium
17
Proud sponsor of the South32 Rottnest Channel SwimRottnest ferry schedule Saturday 25th February 2023
From Perth mainland to Rottnest From Rottnest to Perth mainland
Depart Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Arrive
B Shed Northport Rottnest Rottnest B Shed Northport
0630 0700 0830 0900
0730 0800 0900 0930
0800 0830 0915 0945
0815 0845 1030 1100
0845 0915 1145 1215 1230
0930 1000 1230 1300
1000 1030 1430 1500
1500 1530
1015 1045
1530 1600
1045 1115
1600 1630
1130 1200
1630 1700 1715
1200 1230
1700 1730
1215 1245
1730 1815 1800
1400 1430
1800 1830
1530 1600
1830 1900
1600 1630 1900 1930
2000 2030
2100 2130
2115 2145 2200
2200 2230
2300 2330 2345
rottnestexpress.com.au 2330 0000 0015
1300 GO ROTTO (1300 467 688) 2359 0030 0045
WA Kids travel for FREE*
with Rottnest Express!
Sign your kids up to our Quokka Club membership rewards program and not only do they travel
to Rottnest Island for free, but they also receive extra member benefits with every journey!
rottnestchannelswim.com.au
18 ROTTNESTEXPRESS.COM.AU | 1300 467 688
*Terms and conditions apply. Valid for children age 4-12 years only.
Please note only 2 x Quokka Club Members can travel with 1 paying adult at a time.Read this section before the event
2023
Pre-Event
Information
These pages provide all the information you need
to prepare for the event as a swimmer, skipper or
support crew member.
Read this section carefully and act on the advice
for a safe event day.
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
19Are you ready to go?
Support Boat Skipper TANDEM SOLOS
Information If you are in a tandem solo (sharing a boat with another solo
swimmer), you and your team will need to develop a plan for how
There are a few items required for the support boat, skipper and you will stay safe, finish the race and comply with the rules. Some
paddler (provided in the registration pack): things you should consider and prepare for:
• the removable 2023 Event Information orange centre section • How will you stay together? If one swimmer is faster, how will
of this yearbook (pages 1a-11a); they regulate their pace? You and your paddlers will need to
agree on how you manage this.
• the Support Boat Safety Protocols;
• Will you have a spotter for each swimmer (recommended)?
• Race Number Stickers – two large race number boat stickers and
four smaller race number paddle craft/tender stickers. The large • Do you have enough space on board the support
race number boat stickers MUST be prominently displayed on boat for the four people in the water (two swimmers
both sides of the support boat. Affix the sticker above the waterline and two paddlers) and two paddle craft?
to avoid the sticker washing off. The smaller race number stickers • How will you respond if one swimmer becomes hypothermic
MUST be displayed on both sides of the paddle craft and support or unwell and requires medical attention? Will you tread water
boat tender (if applicable). until they have received assistance or will you both withdraw?
These stickers are a safety requirement and it is the swimmer’s/team • Will you have the same feeding schedules?
captain’s responsibility to ensure the stickers are correctly displayed.
• Your support boat will need to display both sets of boat stickers.
Failure to do so could bring you to the attention of Race Officials.
EVENT CANCELLATION
The Race Committee will make the decision to cancel the event if, TEAM ROLES & SKIPPER ETIQUETTE
in the Race Committee’s opinion, weather conditions reach, or are
At all times, the support boat skipper is, ultimately, in control of, and
likely to reach, an unsafe level either before or during the event. This
responsible for, the safety and wellbeing of their swimmer/s and
decision, if made, will be broadcast on VHF Channel 74 and all solos,
support crew. It is important that skippers take this responsibility
team captains and skippers will be notified via SMS. No swimmer or
seriously. It is also important for skippers to respect each other and act
team is to disregard this decision. In accordance with the Terms and
in the spirit of the Event.
Conditions of Entry, there will be no refunds if the event is cancelled.
Some things to consider:
INSURANCE
• Setting the course: The skipper sets the course and swimmers and
The Rottnest Channel Swim Association (RCSA) has very limited paddlers should follow that course.
insurance cover for the event. The RCSA strongly recommends that
• Be sensible: Take a slow and cautious approach to the swim and be
all participants (swimmers, paddlers, support crew) ensure they are
aware of one of the major causes of injury in an event of this kind –
adequately insured for the risks present on the day of the event.
the propeller!
The RCSA cannot accept liability for personal or property damage
resulting from your participation in the event. • Efficient navigation: Skippers should be prepared, plan and chart
the course prior to event day.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT TO ROTTNEST ISLAND
• Team procedures: Confirm the start time of your wave, discuss
Thomson Bay is very congested on event day. Ensure you have clear identification issues – e.g. how the swimmer will find the paddler
plans regarding the collection of swimmers and the journey back to and support boat, food, fluid and sun protection that will be on
the mainland, or that a mooring and overnight accommodation is the support boat (for swimmers and crew), how the swimmer and
booked in advance. paddlers will arrive at the start line, post-swim plan etc.
• Event day response: How the skipper and support crew will
rottnestchannelswim.com.au
respond in particular situations – e.g. if the swimmer is showing signs
of hypothermia, approach to the Phillip Rock gate etc.
• Stay calm: Adrenaline runs high over the entire 19.7km of the swim,
so stay cool, calm and collected. Frustration and anger are often the
triggers for bad decision making.
• Practise: Before Event day, practise hand signals with your support
crew, getting in and out of the support boat, eating the food you
intend to eat on the day etc.
• Your spotter: Make sure you have someone on your boat who can
help with swimmer changes and to keep watch on your swimmer and
paddler. Your skipper can’t do it all!
20Swimmer Safety
Hypothermia If the swimmer is battling with these simple questions, it could be a
sign that hypothermia is setting in and they should withdraw from the
Event and seek medical treatment.
When your body is immersed in water cooler than your core body Once the swimmer is out of the water, they should be handled gently
temperature, you are susceptible to hypothermia. as rough handling can result in disturbances in heart rhythm. They
A reduction in core body temperature below 37°C occurs when you should be dried, wrapped first in plastic garbage bags or a plastic sheet
lose more body heat than you produce. and then covered in towels and blankets to protect them from the
wind. This provides more efficient insulation and avoids getting wool
Water conducts heat away from the body 27% faster than in the air and
fat on blankets. Shared body heat may also be appropriate.
that represents a significant loss of body heat for a swimmer who is in
the water for extended lengths of time. Keep the person calm, still and awake; don’t let them sleep. Don’t rub
or massage them. If the swimmer is unconscious, place in the recovery
Hypothermia is most likely to affect those who:
position, maintain the airway and do not give fluids or food. Seek
• Have low body mass index/low body fat.
urgent medical attention from a doctor.
• Are in the water for a long period – a slow swim time or being in the
water longer than six hours. Conscious swimmers should be encouraged to eat and drink small
• Have little-to-no previous open water swimming experience. quantities of warmed fluids frequently. Do not give them alcohol as it
• Have not properly prepared or fuelled for the swim. increases the heat loss rate by dilating the skin’s blood vessels.
• Allow the water to evaporate from their body (for duo or team Seek medical support as soon as possible. Radio call Channel
swimmers). Swim Base urgently to report your swimmer is out of the water with
• Is young or elderly. suspected hypothermia and await instructions. You may be advised to
Although some are more susceptible than others, it is important that return to the mainland even if you are closer to Rottnest.
every swimmer is monitored. If you would like more information on hypothermia, head to the
HYPOTHERMIA WARNING SIGNS: Event website.
• Slurred speech
•
•
Weakness
Disorientation Swimming Induced
•
•
Combative behaviour
Shivering Pulmonary Edema (SIPE)
• Increased breath rate
Pulmonary edema is fluid collecting within the airspaces (alveoli) of
A hypothermic swimmer will not be able to make rational judgements the lungs. Although it is uncommon, this can occur in open water
and will be operating on autopilot. They may not shiver or look cold and swimmers and cases have occurred in the Rottnest Channel Swim.
could finish the swim, walk up the beach, sit down or wander off. Most Just what causes pulmonary edema isn’t entirely clear. The condition
dangerously, they can just slowly slip beneath the surface and drown. is often referred to using the American acronym of SIPE (Swim
Statistically, 50% of all soloists will become hypothermic during their Induced Pulmonary Edema).
crossing; varying in severity. Hypothermia is the primary cause of event The symptoms are cough with frothy sputum (sometimes blood
day hospitalisations. stained) and increasing shortness of breath (out of proportion to what
KEEP WARM would normally be expected during the swim). A swimmer will usually
be aware of this themselves unless they are impaired for some other
Duo and team swimmers have the luxury of getting out of the water
reason such as hypothermia.
to refuel and keep warm. While there may be the temptation to
allow the heat or wind to dry you, evaporation can cause significant Once the condition is recognised, treatment is to remove the
hypothermia. A chamois-type towel that can be wrung dry is swimmer from the water and get them warm and dry. Keep them
Swim Swim
2022
recommended for constant drying. It is also recommended to stay sitting up, as lying down will worsen the shortness of breath. These
warm on board the boat. Wrapping yourself in a sleeping bag, wind- measures in themselves are often enough to relieve the worst
Channel
proof jacket or dressing gown will aid in staying warm between swims. symptoms. Nevertheless medical care will still be required, so call
Channel Swim Base for assistance.
Channel
CHECKLIST FOR SUPPORT BOAT SKIPPERS
Rottnest
AND PADDLERS
Hypothermia is life-threatening and swimmers and their support crew
Rottnest
must understand the signs.
South32
Ask your swimmer simple questions in a random order every 30-60
South32
minutes. These could include:
2023
• What’s your address and telephone number?
• When is your birthday?
• What’s your mother’s maiden name?
• Who is the skipper on our boat?
21A Message from Fremantle Marine Rescue
COORDINATION FLEET MANAGEMENT
The team in Channel Swim Base are our unsung heroes. Channel Management of a fleet of almost 1,000 boats can be challenging but
Swim Base – or CSB – is effectively a communications control centre. between the Race Officials on course, Helicopters in the sky, Water
All communication comes from, and goes through, CSB. The safety Patrol Australia jet skis at Phillip Rock and Surf Life Saving at the start
messaging during the day on VHF 74 that keeps participants updated and finish, we are a well-oiled machine. Some of the key roles of these
about race-related happenings all comes from CSB. The same channel teams are:
is used to make direct communication with vessels in the management
• Making sure participants are acting safely and following the rules:
of swimmer matching, medical incidents, breakdowns, shark sightings
Our hawk-eyed crew will be making sure support boats aren’t
or any other race related enquiries. CSB monitors and responds to
reversing, speeding or otherwise endangering swimmers.
calls from VHF 74 and VHF 16 as well as a range of other race official
channels, with each one allocated to a specific area in the management • All vessels and helicopters work to keep non-participating vessels,
of the event. CSB runs from the lofty heights of Fremantle Sea Rescue’s often trying to cross the fleet, well clear of swimmers.
Operations Centre on Cantonment Hill. This state-of-the-art facility • Working with Channel Swim Base to help match swimmers with
provides CSB with total coverage of the fleet, as well as providing its support boats at the 1,500m mark (STS Leeuwin II icon vessel).
operators with access to the latest technology and a visual oversight of
• Coordinating and managing evacuations and potential re-entry
the fleet and shipping movements.
following shark sightings.
MEDICAL
YOU MIGHT BE READY BUT IS YOUR BOAT?
On swim day, four vessels will be operating as dedicated on-water
• Make sure your support vessel is mechanically sound at least four
ambulances. The vessels include a purpose-designed, high-speed,
weeks prior to the event. Remember that mechanics are especially
triage vessel and three high-speed patient treatment and transport
busy in this period and will not be available at short notice. Also,
vessels. Each of these medivac vessels will be crewed by a highly
allow enough time for any mechanical problems to be resolved
experienced rescue skipper and crew as well as a St John Ambulance
before the day.
paramedic and ambulance officer. On top of this, there will be two
additional medical teams, plus an ambulance, on standby in a waterside • Test your radio a few weeks before the Event. Call VN6DI
triage centre in Fremantle and Rottnest. During a serious medical (Fremantle Sea Rescue) on VHF channel 73 and ask for a radio
incident and evacuation, the St John personnel who treated the patient check. Don’t assume, just because your radio worked last year, that it
being evacuated can stay with their patient all the way to hospital, will work again – aerials and cables deteriorate over time.
while the ‘fresh’ crew will return to the event on the medivac vessel. • It is also a legal requirement to have an EPIRB (Emergency Position
By eliminating a medical handover, this cuts down transport time, Indicating Radio Beacon) in your safety kit and on-board vessels
significantly reduces the amount of time medical vessels spend tied up operating more than two nautical miles from the mainland shore.
with incidents and increases the level of patient care. An EPIRB’s homing signal can be directly tracked by most rescue
RESCUE vessels, so we recommend you have it close at hand with your
orange flares. And don’t forget to check the expiry date. Like flares,
Rescue is Fremantle Sea Rescue’s bread and butter – their name EPIRBs expire and a simple check can be done in minutes online at
should give it away. With the help of neighbouring groups, Whitfords beacons.amsa.gov.au or by phone on 1800 406 406. Registering
and Cockburn Sea Rescue, they will tend to non-event rescues as well the EPIRBs HexID (unique identification number) not only makes it
as participant boat rescues. On the day they could be attending to easier for rescue organisations to find you, it saves on resources in
anything from a mechanical breakdown to a sinking vessel, they’ve seen the event of an accidental activation.
it all before!
WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT SEE COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
rottnestchannelswim.com.au
Managing the safety and compliance of the fleet is a
fundamental part of the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim.
Coordination is king with Race Official, Fremantle Sea
Rescue, Water Patrol Australia jet skis, helicopters and
Surf Life Saving vessels along with more than 120 skilled
volunteers.
Between these vessels and Channel Swim Base there
are four key functions:
1 Coordination
2 Medical
22 3 Compliance and
4 Rescue.IS YOUR BOAT SUPPORT BOAT – SAFETY EQUIPMENT
All support boats must be equipped with all the required
READY TO GO? mandatory marine safety and emergency equipment as per the
WA Navigable Waters Regulations listed below:
Recreational Skippers of support boats must hold, and be in possession
Skipper’s of their own Recreational Skippers Ticket that must have
Ticket been issued over 12 months prior to the Event.
TO ASSIST IN PREPARING FOR
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ENSURE Must carry an operational marine band VHF two-way
Marine Radio
THAT YOU: radio.
• Know your race number and use it as your call sign. Bilge Pump
Boats greater than 7 metres must have a bilge pump fitted.
• Clearly display your race number boat stickers on both Boats less than 7 metres must have a bilge pump or bailer/
/Bailer
bucket if bilge pump is not fitted.
sides of your support boat, paddle craft and tender (if
applicable). Vessels with an inboard engine or carrying hydrocarbon
Fire
heating or cooling appliances must carry an approved fire
• Ensure your radio is on, with the volume turned up to Extinguisher
extinguisher.
ensure emergency vessels can make contact with you.
• Have seasickness provisions on board your support Anchor & Line An efficient anchor and line must be carried.
boat for treatment of both swimmers and support crew. A lifejacket bearing the label PFD. Type 1 or the Australian
• Pack basic first aid supplies First Aid Kit for minor standard AS 1512 or AS 4758 – Level 100 (or higher) must
afflictions including sunburn, dehydration, mild Lifejacket be carried for every person onboard or in the water. If your
hypothermia and stingers. paddler is wearing a Type 1 -Level 100 (or higher) lifejacket,
you are not required to carry a lifejacket for them onboard.
• Ensure the support crew equips themselves with
adequate food and fluids for, during and after the event. At least two hand held red flares and two handheld orange
Red and
flares must be carried. Two parachute flares may be carried
Orange
in lieu of the two handheld red flares and a smoke canister
SUPPORT BOAT GUIDELINES – MINIMUM Flares (in date).
may be carried in lieu of the smoke flares.
REQUIREMENTS
Parachute
Entrants must organise their own support boat and paddle A minimum of two parachute flares must be carried.
Flares (in date).
craft – no personal watercraft (jet skis) are permitted.
The size of the boat required is determined by two factors: EPIRB A 406 MHz EPIRB registered with AMSA bearing the
• The minimum size of boat that is legally permitted to (in date). standard AS/NZS 4280.1 must be carried.
travel to Rottnest Island;
• The number of people onboard.
SUPPORT BOAT – RECOMMENDED
For these reasons, for comfort and sun/wind protection, ADDITIONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
the RCSA recommends the following size boats:
First Aid Kit To cover accidents or injury that could befall any member
Category Recommended Boat Size on board, a first aid kit is essential. Remember, seasickness is
debilitating so carry the remedy. It is also recommended to carry
Solo No less than 5 metres Stingose in your First Aid Kit for this event.
Duo / Team No less than 6 metres High Protection
Reapply to swimmers each time they towel off.
Sunscreen
The RCSA will, however, allow any vessel with a length 4.5 Knife Always handy with many uses. Keep your knife sharp at all times.
metres or greater legally permitted carry the whole team
Rope Additional rope onboard can be extremely useful for towing and
(including all swimmers and paddlers and support crew). other various purposes.
The number permitted is determined by EITHER the Fresh Water A good supply of fresh water is essential when boating as the
information displayed on the Australian Builder’s sun and the salt can quickly dehydrate you.
Plate or (if there is no Builder’s Plate) by reference
Alternative Power Spare outboard, oars or paddles to get the boat to safety in the
to the below guidelines from the Western Australian
event of power failure.
Department of Transport. Please note these guidelines are
recommendations only and it is the skippers responsibility Torch A torch can be useful in an emergency situation, for attracting
attention as well as checking bilges.
2023 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
to determine the exact number of people onboard for a
safe voyage: Heliograph Mirror This is a signalling device that uses a mirror to reflect the sun’s
rays to the shore or to other vessels.
Maximum number of people
Tool Kit There is no substitute for an adequate tool kit on board your boat.
Length of Boat aboard (including swimmers &
paddlers)
Blanket, towels,
To keep swimmers warm when out of the water, and to manage
4.5m to less than 5.0m 5 sleeping bag,
suspected hypothermia – see page 21.
plastic sheet
5.0m to less than 5.5m 6
The Department of Transport Marine Officers will be
5.5m to less than 6.0m 7 monitoring compliance with the above requirements
before and during the event.
It is the responsibility of the Skipper to make sure the
boat is suitable and capable of making the trip to check,
PLEASE NOTE: IF A SUPPORT
and double check, that the support boat is not overloaded. BOAT FAILS TO MEET THE
ABOVE REQUIREMENTS, THE
SWIMMER/TEAM MAY FACE 23
DISQUALIFICATION.You can also read
