Annual report reflects on successful swim

THE youngest swimmer to participate in this year’s 26th Queenscliff 180 Family Swim was 10 years of age, while the oldest was 78.

The average age of swimmers was 45 years old, while 228 women took part and 229 men.

The event’s annual report also revealed that the swim attracted 456 swimmers from the combined 500-metre and one-kilometre open water.

Held in January this year, the Queenscliff 180 Family Swim aimed to promote the Borough of Queenscliffe and Bellarine Peninsula as a tourist destination, and generate a sustainable revenue stream for community beneficiaries, charities and community initiatives.

The financial summary revealed that gross profits of $4,935.40 were distributed to three organisations, with an additional $2,750 to go to the Point Lonsdale Life Saving Club for their contribution to water safety services.

Parkinson’s Victoria received 50 per cent of profits, The University Of Sydney – Parkinson’s Research Department received 35 per cent of profits and Barwon Child, Youth and Family received 15 per cent.

In September 2017, Liam Petrie-Allbutt and Sam Sheppard teamed up to resurrect the historic Queenscliff Blue Water Challenge, and after a successful event this year are looking to make 2019 bigger and better, with a soon-to-be-announced additional event.