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Byron Shire
July 15, 2026

Swimmers take plunge for mental health

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The lads swam 200 laps each as part of their Laps for Life fundraising at Byron pool last Saturday. Photo supplied

Swimmers took to Byron Bay pool and swam over 2000 laps to raise money to help improve services to support youth mental health.

Laps for Life is an Australia-wide event held during March and aims to raise money through sponsored swimmers, to provide professional support to young people experiencing mental health issues. 

A local team, including Michael Gudgeon, Michael Annetts, Tim Reed, Geoff Miller and Nat Lindsay swam 10km continuously on Saturday.

‘We took turns in taking the lead and it took just over three hours. It was fantastic swimming beside world champion triathlete Tim Reed, who actually swam it with his broken arm in a cast,’ Michael said.

‘The enthusiasm for the swim felt by the swimmers was amazing and infectious. 

The team was joined by several other swimming groups associated with the Byron Bay Surf Club.

‘The Nippers made a combined effort of 901 laps throughout the afternoon with 28 nippers, 12 parents and nine Surf Club members having a go. The Stingrays made a combined effort of 270 laps with 13 swimmers.

‘Thank you too, to the Byron Surf Club and all the generous people who have now together donated over $8,000,’ said Michael. 

Fund raising runs until the end of the month.
Get involved and donate here.

Michael is hoping to get to a total of $10,000.



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