Ideal weather fuels big turnout at Danger Swim Series

FRIENDLY conditions welcomed more than 1,200 swimmers to Torquay Beach last weekend for the return of the Danger Swim Series.

In the feature Danger 1000 event, Conor Hayes claimed victory in the open male category with a time just over 13 minutes, while Dakoda Mathers won the open female race in 13:30.

 

 

Swimmers also took to the water in the 500m, 2.5km and 5km events held throughout the day.

Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club sponsorships and fundraising manager, Steve Jewson, said the event was a strong success.

“The day was great, the weather was perfect and conditions were ideal.

 

 

“There was a little bit of swell, which, if you were good enough, you could crack a wave in from the last 50 or 80m.

“There were plenty of people down there, walking backwards and forwards watching.”

Jewson said the smooth running of the day was made possible by the tireless efforts of volunteers.

“We had close to 200 volunteers on the day, most of our own members. That was fantastic – it’s a great day that unites the club for a general cause.

 

 

“We’ve been very lucky. It’s our 28th year and there’s no issue with recruiting volunteers to donate their time for the swim.”

The club also marked the occasion by unveiling and christening a new inflatable rescue boat (IRB) in memory of much-loved member Richard Ibbotson.

 

 

“Richard joined the club at the start of COVID and he was our gear manager,” Jewson said.

“He bequeathed quite a generous sum of money to the club to be used, which we’re working through what exactly that will be for.

 

 

“We thought we’d christen a brand-new IRB in his name. His sister, Penny, and family came down for the day and they were very happy with what we’ve done.”

Results from the Danger Swim events are available on the Jan Juc SLSC website.