The annual Byron Bay Ocean Classic beach swim organised by the Winter Whales was held last Sunday and attracted 901 competitors.
The even has been run since 1983 to raise money for various local charities, and after this year’s event the Winter Whales will have donated in excess of $1.1 million over that time, according to club president Phil Jarvis.
‘This year we are hoping to raise $50,000,’ he said.
The event caters for different age groups and skill levels and is open to children as young as nine-years-old.
Swimmers entered the water at Wategos Beach using a staggered start-based on age with the over 65s hitting the water first around 10 am.
‘By about 10.30 we had over 900 swimmers in the Bay, it was a beautiful sight,’ Phil said.
From there the competitors swim the 2.2 kilometre course back to the Surf Club on Main Beach.
This year’s chairty recipients include: Northern Rivers Prostate Day Support, Marine Rescue Cape Byron, Marine Rescue Brunswick Heads, Camp Quality and Bay FM.
Winners
Classic (men): Jack French, Lachlan Trease and Finn CAsper.
Classic (women): Mikayla Bird, Ashleigh Allred and Allegra Anderson
Mini (girls): Alex Mair, Willow Stephenson and Hannah Prior.
Mini (boys): Aaron Boersma, Tommy Trewhitt and Gabriel Cuic.
Glen Lawrence was first home in the 60-64 age group.
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