LAP IT UP Q180Swim offers swimming and smiles this weekend

THE Queenscliff 180 Family Swim (Q180) team has a simple goal this year – “bring neighbours together from close and far to the beautiful Queenscliff beaches for a day of swimming and smiles”.

Held this Sunday, January 20, the one-kilometre course is a 180-degree arc from the Queenscliff Ferry terminal and finishes in the middle of the Pier Beach opposite Harry’s Café.

The event also offers a 500-metre swim for juniors.

Event director Liam Petrie-Allbutt said for the 2019 Q180, he was hoping to build on the success of the 2018 event, while emphasising the importance of physical exercise within families.

“Q180Swim is guided by the values of participation, families, fun and ‘just having a go’,” Mr Petrie-Allbutt said.

The Q180Swim aims to attract more than 600 swimmers this year, while charity partners, Queenscliff Coast Guard and beyondblue are putting on their goggles to raise money, raise awareness and support a family day out at Queenscliff.

THE Queenscliff 180 Family Swim (Q180) has pledged a large share of its profits this year to a deserving Queenscliff organisation, as the New Year brings a renewed focus on family, fun and community.

This year, the Q180 team has a simple goal: “to bring neighbours together from close and far to the beautiful Queenscliff beaches for a day of swimming and smiles”.

The Queenscliff Flotilla of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard will don the biggest smiles at the Queenscliff Pier on Sunday, January 20, as one of the main beneficiaries.

A generous 37.5 per cent of the event’s profits will go to the all-volunteer group, which is responsible for 24/7 response calls at the southern end of Port Phillip Bay.

The volunteers go through 12 months of training before qualifying as “competent crew”, meaning they’re always ready for any situation, whether it be a missing diver, persons overboard or a sinking, though most of their work involves mechanical faults.

Graham Douglas, the commander of the Queenscliff Flotilla, says volunteers also spend a substantial amount of time raising funds to support their work, which is why the pledge means so much.

“The financial assistance provided by Liam and the Queenscliff 180 Family Swim volunteers is really appreciated and will help fund fuel, maintenance and our on-going operations,” Mr Douglas said.

Last year alone, the Queenscliff Flotilla assisted 51 boats in trouble and helped deliver 96 people back to safety.

Beyondblue will also receive a 37.5 per cent share of the event profits, along with the Event Sustainability Fund (25 per cent).

The Q180Swim aims to attract more than 600 swimmers this year, with the one-kilometre course a 180 degree circumference from the Queenscliff Ferry terminal and finishes in the middle of the Pier Beach oppose to Harry’s Café.

The event also offers a 500-metre swim for juniors.

For more information about the swim, head to queenscliff180swim.com.