Frequently Asked Questions
2025 ALEX ROTARY SOLSTICE SWIM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN IS THE SOLSTICE SWIM?
Sunday 22nd June, 2025 at Alexandra Headland beach in front of Alex Surf Club. Registration from 7am. First swim wave departs approx 8.00am
WHAT IS THE SOLSTICE SWIM ABOUT?
This iconic community charity swim is hosted by the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland and the Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club and attracts hundreds of ocean swimming enthusiasts from all over Australia.
WHAT ARE THE SWIM DISTANCES FOR THIS EVENT?
500m - a gentle swim for younger kids (minimum age 10 yrs) and first timers to ocean swimming
1km - a comfortable swim distance for moderate fitness swimmers
3km - a testing swim distance, suggested for swimmers who have previously completed the same or similar distance in an ocean swimming event
5km - for serious swimmers only
HOW MANY ENTRANTS ARE YOU EXPECTING FOR THE EVENT?
Every year the event gets bigger and bigger so register early! We are hoping to exceed last year, with a target of 500 registered swimmers in total.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?
The Solstice Swim Junior Dash minimum age is 10 years, for all other swim distances entrants must be at least 14 years old.
DO I HAVE TO TIME MYSELF?
Each swimmer will wear a timing anklet that will record your time and swim results will be published online.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANCEL?
A full refund will be offered if you cancel prior to the swim day.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE EVENT IS CANCELLED / POSTPONED BY BAD WEATHER?
The Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club Swim Captain will assess the weather conditions for the complete swim course on the morning of the swim.
If it is decided to delay or postpone, participants can choose a full refund or participating at a revised date.
WILL THERE BE A SAFETY BRIEFING?
Before the start of each swim distance, there will be a safety briefing for swimmers on the beach.
DO I NEED TO WEAR A SWIM CAP?
Yes. The colour of your cap lets the surf life savers know what swim distance / course you are on.
HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRY FEE?
There are different pricing categories for early bird, standard or late entry. Check out the main event page for details.
CAN I wear SWIM FINS and/ OR wetsuit?
Yes you can. The water is often warmer than the air temperature, but please do wear one if it might affect your fun on the day.
However if you are going to wear a wetsuit, when you register we would appreciate a $10 donation that will be directed towards our community charities.
WHAT ARE THE SWIM COURSES?
All swim courses start and finish in front of the Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club - the large inflatable Arch is the finish area for the event. This is where your completion time is recorded. So make sure you go under the arch - and smile for the camera as you go through!
WHAT SORT OF TRAINING / FITNESS IS EXPECTED?
We are relying on you knowing your capabilities. There will be IRB's and Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers on the water, at stations and following swimmers to supervise all of the swim legs.
Please DO NOT enter a swim distance that you are not comfortable with.
HOW WILL I SEE THE SWIM COURSE WHEN I'M IN THE WATER?
There will be an avenue of GIANT inflatable buoys leading you into the water - and GIANT inflatable buoys marking the course. Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers will be in the water on IRB's and boards monitoring swimmers for the duration of each swim leg.
MY CHILD IS A GOOD SWIMMER, CAN HE/ SHE JOIN THE SWIM?
Yes. We encourage young swimmers to participate in the 500m Solstice Swim Junior Dash with their Mum, Dad or mates.
IS THERE AN ENTRY CUT-OFF?
If there are swim slots available, you can register up to one hour before the swim starts. Each wave has limited numbers to ensure your safety.
Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club reserves the right to close off the most popular swim leg registration at any time for safety reasons. (Usually the 1km and 3km swim legs).