2024 Alex Rotary Solstice Swim Frequently Asked Questions

 

When is the Solstice Swim?

Sunday 23rd June 2024, winter solstice week, at Alexandra Headland beach in front of Alex Surf Club. Registrations from 7am. First swim leg departs approx 8.30am. 

What is the Solstice Swim about?

The Solstice Swim is a community charity swim event run by the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland and the Alexandra Headland SLSC. The primary beneficiary this year is Sunshine Coast Inclusive Kids program, a charity servicing underprivileged children. As always, all swim profits go to a specific Sunny Coast charity and Alex Rotary community causes on the Sunshine Coast. Rotarians are all 100% volunteers. 

What are the swim distances for this event?

1km - a comfortable swim distance for first timers to ocean swimming

3km - a testing swim distance, suggested for swimmers who have previously completed the same or similar distance in an ocean swimming event

5km - for serious swimmers only

How many entrants are you expecting for the event?

We’re limiting the number of entrants to 300 swimmers. Every year the event gets bigger and bigger so best to get in early. 

Is there a minimum age?

Entrants must be at least 14 years old to participate.

How do I register?

Directly via a swim registration link, on our Alex Rotary swim webpage, or here at www.alexrotary.com

Do I have to time myself?

If you wish, but every swimmer will be given a number and we'll have our Rotary timekeepers so that your time is recorded and displayed on the day, Your tome will also be listed on our the Alex Rotary website. Swim times will be available around 11.45am when we have the presentations in the Bluff Bar.

What happens if I cancel?

A full refund will be offered if you cancel prior to the swim day.

What happens if the event is cancelled / postponed by bad weather?

The Alex SLSC Swim Captain will assess the weather conditions for the complete swim course on the morning of the swim. If he decides to delay or postpone, you have choice of full refund or participating at a revised date.

Will there be a safety briefing?

Before the start of each swim distance, there will be a safety briefing for swimmers on the beach, at the Rotary Arch start and finish area.

How much is the entry fee?

1km distance: $60

3km distance: $65

5km distance: $70

For swimmers who need a wetsuit, we are asking for a further $10 donation towards community charities. The extra donation will give you a warm feeling for your kindness!

Can I use swim fins?

To ensure the safety of other swimmers, the use of swim fins is discouraged.

What are the swim courses?

All swim courses start and finish in front of the Alex SLSC - the large inflatable Rotary Arch is the start and finish area for the event.

Do I need a wetsuit?

The water is often warmer than the outside air temperature so it is not necessary to wear a wetsuit.  However if you are going to wear a wetsuit, when you register we would appreciate a $10 donation that will be directed towards our community charities.

What sort of training / fitness is expected?

We are relying on you knowing your capabilities. There will be IRB's and Alex SLSC volunteers on water to supervise all of the swim legs.

Please DO NOT enter a swim distance that you are not comfortable with.

How will I see the swim course when I'm in the water?

There will be an avenue of GIANT inflatable buoys leading you into the water and GIANT inflatable buoys marking the course.  Alex SLSC volunteers will be in the water on IRB's and boards monitoring swimmers for the duration of each swim leg.

My child is a good swimmer, can he/ she join the swim?

Sorry, we cannot allow children under 14 years of age to participate in any of the swim courses.

Is there an entry cut-off?

You can register up to one hour before the swim starts, however the later you register the less chance of having your entry accepted and receiving the correct size T-shirt.

Alex SLSC reserves the right to close off the most popular swim leg registration at any time for safety reasons. (Usually the 1km and 3km swim legs, or whenever we reach 300 swimmers, whichever is earlier). 

Anything else I should know?

This year we're selecting Inclusive Kids, a local charity on the Sunshine Coast that is improving the lives of vunerable children, especially the 1 in 5 school children who goes to school every day without breakfast.

By purchasing a $5 raffle ticket, we will make sure it goes towards creating a sustainable food program for some of the Sunshine Coast's most vunerable children. 

 
 
 

Note: Receive a full refund if you cancel before the day.

The Solstice Swim event is limited to 300 entries so please register early!

Registrations open NOW
2024 Alex Rotary Solstice Swim - Sunday 23rd June 
 
Come and enjoy a mid winter swim at Alexandra Headland beach.
Pick your swim distance and join in for a day of fun at Alex SLSC in support of Alex Rotary community charities
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2024 Solstice Swim Frequently Asked Questions for Sponsors
 
 
Who will be the beneficiary for the 2024 Solstice Swim?

Our goal this year is to raise $40,000 for Sunshine Coast Charities with IFYS “Inclusive Kids” being our Primary Beneficiary. We support the Sunshine Coast Inclusive Kids program because they provide programs for youth homelessness, foster care, and youth development, areas which are very much in need of support. Refer to https://www.facebook.com/inclusivekids/

Like Rotary, the Inclusive Kids program relies entirely upon volunteers who generously donate their time, so our administration costs are minimal.  Rest assured that all profits raised from the Solstice Swim event will directly benefit those in need, particularly our disadvantaged Sunshine Coast kids!
 

How can I sponsor this event?

There are three different tiers of sponsorship available for this event:

GOLD
$5,000
Name and logo on all branding, website, radio promotion, event social media posts and listings. Name and logo on event programs and event flyers.  Logo on front of swim shirt. Meet and greet the Alex Rotary team at breakfast and promote your business at Alex Surf Club.  Erect your branded banner or gazebo on the beach during the event.
 
SILVER
$2,500
Name and logo on all branding, website, event social media posts and listings. Name and logo on event programs and flyers.  Logo on back of swim shirt.
 
BRONZE
$1,000
Name and logo on event social media posts and listings.  Logo on back of swim shirt.
 

 

Sponsorship is also welcome in the form of prize donations to our multi-draw raffle.

 

Where can I find information about the Solstice Swim event from previous years?
Please check out our Website https://www.alexrotary.com.au or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SCsolsticeswim/ to find out more information about the Solstice Swim event and view photos and stories from previous years.

 

Who do I contact if I would like to become a sponsor of this event?
Please send an email to the Alex Rotary Club Secretary at rcahsecretary@gmail.com

 

Entries and Prizes
Entry Fees
 
1km swim                        $60            
 
3km swim                        $65            
 
5km swim                        $70            
 
All swim entrants will receive: 
 
  • Solstice Swim Cap - must be worn when in the water
  • Solstice Swim T-shirt 
  • Fresh fruit
  • Water 
  • Swim results on the day and on Alex Rotary Club website
But most importantly...
 
  • A REALLY GOOD FEELING of helping Alex Rotary support Sunshine Coast community charities. Alex Rotary is a group of local volunteers who want to "make a difference" to people in the Sunshine Coast community who are doing it tough.
 
Swim Prizes 
 
5km male winner        $250
 
5 km female winner   $250
 
 
3km male winner        $150
 
3 km female winner   $150
 
 
1km male winner        $100
 
1 km female winner   $100
 
 
 
Giant Multi-Draw Raffle Prizes 
 
SPONSORS WANTED FOR RAFFLE PRIZES
 
We will be running raffles at the club with some fantastic prizes to be won. 
 
All monies raised will go to local Sunshine Coast community programs. In the past, Solstice Swimmers have shown their support for:
Life Saving Programs
 Young Parents Programs
Disabled kids
Prevention of Domestic Violence
Disengaged Kids Vocational Educational Programs.
 
 
Please show your support by purchasing a few tickets in our amazing multi-prize draw when you register.
Solstice Swim Proposed Program

Proposed Program for the Day 

 
7.00am
Registration opens for all swim distances
 
Collect your T-shirt and swim cap at the Registration Desk in Buhk Park next to the Alex SLSC
Your swim number will be written on your shoulder/ leg and you are all set for your swim leg
 
 
Warm ups will be held in Buhk Park (behind the registration desk) 15 mins before each swim leg starts.
 
Safety Briefings on beach before each swim leg
 
 
All swims start and finish at the Rotary Arch in front of Alex SLSC
 
 
Please note that all times below are approximate and each swim will only start after the Swim Captain has checked the beach conditions
 
8.20am  .......... 5 km swim starts 
 
This swim is for serious swimmers only. 
 
8.35am ..........3 km swim starts 
 
A testing swim length, perhaps for those who have completed this length of course previously. 
 
08.45am ....... 1 km swim starts 
 
A shorter swim leg, for those who are more comfortable with the 1 km length. 
 
 
11.00 Trophy & cheque presentations and Raffle Draws in Alex SLSC Bluff Room 
 
 
Swim Course Outline Only
SWIM COURSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Extreme Weather Contingency
As with any ocean activity, we may have to change plans to suit the weather and some changes may be necessary on the day. If the weather is bad we will endeavour to offer an alternative course. We will do whatever we can to ensure a fun and competitive swim on the day.
 
Stay tuned to the Alex SLSC facebook page.
 
Postponement
 
If the weather is so bad that nothing can be done on the day, we will hold the event at an alternative weekend. 
 
Communication 
 
Once you register and give the club your email address we will keep in touch with any last minute changes via email. 
 
Our Amazing SPONSORS
 
All Rotarians give freely of their time and "service before self" is one of our ideals.
 
All proceeds from our events are donated to community causes.
 
We deeply value the support we receive from our sponsors and supporters.