The Byron Bay Winter Whales (BBWW) took to the ocean for the 39th time this year on the first Sunday of May and raised $43,000 for local organisations and charities.
‘The swim is one of the most famous ocean swims in Australia and its organisation highlights the strong community spirit within Byron Bay,’ Tim Tetly, secretary of the BBWW, told The Echo.
Some of the recipients from the 2026 BBWW swim included: Byron Bay Surf Club, Liberation Larder, Marine Rescue Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads, Northern Rivers Rescue Helicopter, Byron Bay Rural Fire Brigade, 1st Byron Bay Scouts, Byron Youth Service, Byron District Sports Foundation, Byron Bay Herb Nursery, The SHIFT Project and NR Prostate Day and Night support groups.
‘Our motto is “We swim for charity” and so far $1.2m has been distributed. The BBWW thanks everyone involved, including major sponsors Byron Bay Property Sales (in their 15th year), Byron Bay Chocolate Company, Byron Bay Bowling Club and others, supporters, swimmers and volunteers on the day.
‘Next year will be the 40th Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic so start your training now!’ Tim said.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
