We hope that all swimmers, skippers, paddlers and supporters have had a restful few days since the 2024 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim.
Firstly, the Rottnest Channel Swim Association would like to acknowledge our swimmers and support crews. Your commitment to the safety and well-being of all your fellow participants showcased the wonderful community, values, and sense of mateship which underpin this Event.
Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to the volunteers and Event safety personnel for their unwavering dedication throughout the day.
The decision to cancel this year’s Event was incredibly difficult for all involved. This decision was made to ensure the safety of all Event participants, which is always the top priority of the Rottnest Channel Swim Association. The forecast early on Saturday morning predicted rough conditions which would fall within our guidelines. However, the weather deteriorated beyond the RCSA’s safety thresholds, and it became evident by 10am that continuing with the Race posed too great of a risk to all involved.
We understand that the cancellation may have left some participants disappointed. The Rottnest Channel Swim Association want to assure you that we are here to support you through this process. Please find in the section below the next steps regarding timing chips, Solo Finisher’s Prize Packs and entries for 2025.
The RCSA would like to express our sincere disappointment for our swimming community. We are grateful for your understanding and patience as we navigate through this process.
Finally, the RCSA extends a special thanks to the participants who exited the race promptly upon cancellation, allowing our safety teams to focus on assisting others in need — an exemplary display of solidarity within our swimming community.
Your continued participation and support are incredibly important to us, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back for an incredible event on Saturday, 22nd of February 2025.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Rottnest Channel Swim Association
Next Steps
Timing Chip Returns
We acknowledge that due to the circumstances on Saturday, not all swimmers were able to return their timing chips. We request that participants who have their timing chips arrange for their return.
Timing chips can be returned in person during our Solo Finisher’s Prize Pack collection windows (outlined below), dropped off at Fremantle Marine Rescue (4 Burt Street, Fremantle) between 9am and 5pm before Friday the 1st of March, or mailed to the RCSA via PO Box 2004, Claremont North WA 6010.
Guaranteed Entry into the 2025 Event
Registration for Teams and Duos in 2025: We are pleased to announce that all participating teams and duos will be offered a guaranteed entry for the 2025 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim. Additionally, guaranteed entry will be offered to teams and duos who cancelled their entry within the 7 days prior to the Event, due to weather concerns. This guaranteed entry must be claimed by the Team Captain of the duo or team. More information on how and when your guaranteed entry will be granted is to follow shortly.
Registration for Soloists in 2025: 2024 soloists will be offered priority entry into the 2025 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim. Also, guaranteed entry will be offered to soloists who cancelled their entry within the 7 days before the Event, due to weather concerns. More information on how and when your priority entry will be granted is to follow shortly.
Solo Finisher's Prize Pack
While Solo Finisher’s Prize Packs are usually only allowed for soloists who successfully cross to Rottnest Island, the RCSA Board has decided to allow 2024 soloists to receive their Solo Prize Pack following the Event (barring items that are inaccurate due to the Event cancellation). Prize Packs will also be made available to soloists who cancelled their entry within the 7 days before the Event, due to the forecast.
Our team is actively working to ensure that all solo swimmers receive their Solo Prize Pack.
Solo Finisher’s Prize Pack collection will take place on the ground floor of the Western Force Building (203 Underwood Avenue, Floreat) between 3pm and 5:30pm from Tuesday, February 27th to Friday, March 1st.
If you are an International, Interstate or Regional soloist, unable to collect your Pack within this period, please contact the RCSA directly.
Refund Policy
While we understand the disappointment stemming from the Event cancellation, it’s important to note that Event costs unfortunately cannot be refunded, nor can the Event be rescheduled. As per the Event Terms and Conditions, there are no refunds for the cancellation or withdrawal of team/duo registrations at all, or for solo registrations after the 1st of December 2023. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Feedback for the RCSA
The very best way to provide feedback on your experience is via the Post-Event Survey which has been sent to all participants or can be completed .
Have a question, query or concern? Please reach out to the team via query@rottnestchannelswim.com.au
