Still time to tap into your inner Marilyn

THE deadline to register for the inaugural South East Marilyn Monroe Swim, taking place at the Naracoorte Swimming Lake on Sunday, March 1, has been extended until February 23.

Interest in the event has seen organisers push the registration cut off out to maximizes participation in the Naracoorte Cancer Council run event.

This fabulous event is a sister swim to the iconic Brighton Jetty Marilyn Swim in Adelaide, which was held at the weekend at the Marion Swimming Pool due to algal bloom concerns, and Naracoorte event organiser Carly Gogel said they were thrilled to be bringing the Marilyn spirit to the South East for the very first time.

The Marilyns are a group of bold, fun-loving women and men, who dress as the 1950s Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, all while raising vital funds for Cancer Council SA.

Like so many others, founding Marilyn Sarah Tinney first turned to fundraising for Cancer Council SA in 2006 when she found out that her mother, who lived in the USA, was diagnosed with uterine cancer.

From the first day of her mother’s diagnosis, Sarah pledged to help raise money to cure cancer in her honour and that’s how the Marilyn Jetty Swim was born.

“What started as a light-hearted conversation with some of the ladies at our local surf club about doing a fundraiser with a difference, has become something I’m incredibly proud of,” Sarah said. “I’m not athletic but agreed to do a swim out to the jetty with a floaty on two conditions – I’d make it comical by dressing like one of the most iconic women to grace our screens and I’d be joined by lookalike decoys so people couldn’t identify me swimming!”

A handshake sealed the deal, and the Marilyn Jetty Swim was born.

“It was only months later, while feeling reluctant, I called my friend with the intention of pulling out of the stunt,” Sarah said, “When she told me the shocking news that she’d just been diagnosed with breast cancer, I knew there was no turning back.

“With every fundraising event I’ve done, particularly the Marilyn Jetty Swim, my mum is in my heart. After she passed away in 2007, supporting people impacted by cancer became even more important to me.

“I know I’m doing something to help end cancer in her honour and it’s given me incredible empowerment to turn my grief into action. And I’m so lucky to be doing it surrounded by amazing people.

“Each year we have a fabulous time knowing that we’re making a big difference.”

And now the Limestone Coast has a chance to be part of this unique fundraising evemt with Naracoorte jumping on board.

How you can be involved:

• Join us and take part in the swim

• Help promote the event by sharing it with your friends, family, local businesses, sporting clubs, communities, and networks

Registrations now close Monday, February 23, or earlier if we reach maximum numbers — so don’t wait.

Register now:

https://www.themarilyns.org/fundraisers/SouthEastSwimNaracoorteSwimmingLake1stMarch/marilyn-pool-swim-2026

Follow our Facebook event for updates, announcements, and event-day information:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1405703684444468/?active_tab=discussion

Whether you’re swimming, cheering from the sidelines, or helping spread the word, your involvement will help make this inaugural event a huge success and support an incredibly important cause.