Now in its third year, the swim will take place at exactly 07.12 am on Friday 21 June 2019. Spectators are not welcome. But participants certainly are, and the organisers have laid down the challenge for people to take part and help raise much needed funds for Love Your Sister and Lifeline Canberra.
“We’re aiming for 300 participants to take the dip this year” said organiser Ian Lindeman from the Williams Crossing Bicycle Club, “Anyone up for braving the cold and their inhibitions is invited to enter!”. He also said “The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, so it is a bit spiritual, you get rid of the baggage from the last solar year and start refreshed for the new year. After the swim, you not only come out cold, but invigorated”.
The event has been building momentum since its inception in 2017 when 4 people took the dip and $2100 was raised. Last year numbers grew significantly to 69 and mo re than $10,000 was raised. The fundraising target has been set at $30,000 in 2019.
Registrations are now open for individuals and teams at the event’s website http://www.wintersolsticeswim.com/ If you’re not that keen on stripping down to your birthday suit for a dip in the lake on the shortest (and probably coldest) day of the year ,then you’re
encouraged to make a donation to someone who is.
Talking at the launch Lifeline Canberra’s Janine Woodman said “The event is a novel and innovative way to raise funds for two good causes and we encourage Canberra to get behind it”
“We are endeavoring to keep this a grass roots, community event” said Lindeman. “We’ve received fantastic support from our community with sausages for the post-swim event donated by Lindbecks butchery, trophies made by Thor’s Hammer, beers and prizes provided by Capital Brewing Co, and logistical support from Old Canberra Inn and many others.”
To register, donate, or for more information visit the website at:
http://www.wintersolsticeswim.com/