Swim Safe.
Swim Together.

Swim Coogee.

Your safety is our number one priority

The Coogee Island Challenge is one of Sydney’s great ocean swimming experiences, and we take the ocean seriously.

Behind every swimmer is an experienced team from Coogee Surf Life Saving Club working together to make your swim as safe and enjoyable as possible.

On event day, more than 100 qualified surf lifesavers and volunteers support the event, with extensive water safety coverage, rescue assets, course officials and first aid personnel positioned throughout the course and event precinct.

Safety across the course

From the moment swimmers enter the water until they cross the finish line, our team is monitoring both participants and ocean conditions.

Adventure, with safety built in

Our safety operation

  • Qualified Coogee surf lifesavers positioned throughout the course
  • Extensive water safety coverage and surveillance
  • Water safety and aquatic rescue assets ready to respond
  • First aid and medical support
  • Course officials and marshals
  • Pre-event and event-day assessment of weather, swell, tides, water temperature and water quality
  • The ability to respond quickly if conditions change

You focus on your swim

We watch the ocean

Ocean conditions can change, so our safety planning doesn’t begin when the first swimmer enters the water.

In the lead-up to the event and on race day, Coogee SLSC assesses the conditions and consults relevant authorities where required.

If conditions are considered unsafe or water quality is unsuitable, the event may be postponed or cancelled.

We are prepared to make the tough call when swimmer safety requires it.

What about marine life?

Marine life is a natural part of the ocean environment and no ocean swim can ever be completely risk-free. What we can do is actively manage that risk. We monitor the course and surrounding water, have qualified surf lifesavers and rescue assets positioned throughout the event, and have procedures in place to respond immediately if potentially hazardous marine life is sighted or conditions change.

You have a part to play too

A successful water safety operation is a partnership between our safety team and every swimmer. Before and during your swim:

Know your ability.

Choose the event distance appropriate to your swimming experience and fitness.

Check the conditions.

Be aware of the weather and ocean conditions on event day.

Listen to our safety team.

Follow instructions from surf lifesavers, water safety personnel and event officials.

Stay on course.

Follow the designated course and remain within the areas monitored by our safety teams.

Speak up if you need help.

If you’re struggling or feel unwell, signal to a water safety official immediately. You will never be penalised for asking for assistance.

Adventure, with safety built in

The Coogee Island Challenge is about experiencing Coogee’s spectacular coastline, challenging yourself in the ocean and enjoying one of Australia’s great ocean swimming events.

We’ll have the water safety operation in place around you. You focus on your swim.

Swim Safe. Swim Together. Swim Coogee.

Coogee

Island

Challenge

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