The Magic of Whitehaven OWS 2025
What a day for the second Whitehaven Beach Open Water Swim!
Leading into the event, we knew conditions would be windy with a chance of rain. But the weather couldn’t stop the North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club from transferring 156 participants, guests and volunteers to the spectacular Whitehaven Beach for the annual Open Water Swim.
The challenging weather meant the early setup boat and crew were due to arrive on the beach after the participants! But with the help of the crew at Reefstar Cruises and some extra hands, the event went ahead—albeit slightly later than planned.
As the ferry neared the shore, it became clear that the island’s protection from the south-easterly winds meant Whitehaven offered the best possible conditions, despite Mother Nature’s intentions.
Participants and guests were eager to come ashore and prepare for racing. A line of coco cabanas and gazebos along the beach housed clubs from Cairns, Townsville, Cannonvale, Mackay, Brisbane and beyond—excited for what Whitehaven could offer. The breeze calmed, the water temperature was a pleasant 24.8 degrees, and the sun was shining. Perfect conditions for a slightly more challenging race than the 2024 event. A total of 105 brave swimmers decided they were up for it!
Due to the delay, the race order was switched. At 10:40am, 55 swimmers in the 2km event dove in—21 men followed by 34 women—racing to the first buoy to begin their four laps of the 500m course. They were followed by 38 swimmers in the 1km event, including 10 men and 28 women. The 12 swimmers in the 500m event entered last, but no less enthusiastically!
This year marked the debut of the 500m event—a swim suitable for those new to open water swimming or those wanting a shorter dip in the crystal-clear waters of Whitehaven Beach. Some participants gave up their own swim to accompany first-time and returning swimmers, easing their way into the open water.
After the fast 500m swimmers crossed the finish line, waves of finishers streamed in wearing pink, green and yellow caps. With smiles and relief, each was awarded a commemorative medal for their efforts. As tradition goes, when the last swimmer approached the finish line, fellow swimmers and guests formed an arch to welcome them back—and what a smile they had!
Lunch was served and times were recorded. Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female in each race were presented, with winners proudly receiving stunning glass trophies and congratulations from their swimming mates and fellow competitors. With some spare time, many chose to swim again, take photos, walk along the beach, or simply relax on the glorious sands of Whitsunday Island.
As the second annual Whitehaven Open Water Swim run by the Sinkers, the club anticipated a financially sound event, thanks to generous sponsors. This enabled a donation of raffle earnings and a portion of event profits to a local organisation. Club members rallied prizes from businesses across town to support The Mackay Women’s Service. Raffle tickets were sold post-event for major prizes, and on the day for over 25 additional prizes. A total of over $3,000 will be donated to The Mackay Women’s Service.
Once again, the event was generously supported by club coach Millie, who runs the Memorial Swim Centre in Mackay. Millie provided financial support, swim caps, medals and volunteer shirts, and is a huge supporter of the Sinkers Club, its members and the wider community. Qld Country Bank also supported the event financially for the second year in a row.
The club would like to thank our generous services, suppliers and sponsors: DMR Leisure, Qld Country Bank, Reefstar Cruises, Masters Swimming Qld, Fish Divine Catering, Prickly Pineapple, Mantra Club Croc and Northerlies Bar and Grill.
Of course, the day required considerable logistical and practical support from the event committee, club volunteers, external volunteers, race officials and the safety crew. It takes a willing team to make this event possible, and we extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who contributed.
The positive and enthusiastic feedback was a great indication of a special day for all swimmers and guests.
The most asked question post-event? “What date is the 2026 swim!?”
The ongoing consensus is to hold the event on the King’s Birthday Weekend each year—tide times permitting. So pencil it into your swim calendar, because we’ll be back on the beach in 2026!
