Due to irregular wild weather, the annual Rottnest Channel Swim was called off mid-race on Saturday, forcing more than 2,000 participants out of the water.
With only five individuals making it to the finish line of the 19.7 kilometres open water swim from Cottesloe Beach (Mudurup) to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), their accomplishments went unrecorded.
It was the second time in its 34-year history that organisers had to cancel the event.
A statement posted on the Rottnest Channel Swim Association’s (RCSA) Facebook page on Friday said they were “devastated for all our participants.”
“Unfortunately, the weather is now categorised as an extreme risk,” the statement concluded.
Should have been cancelled earlier
Swimmers had to be rescued out of the wild waters.
Two women in their 20s and two 15-year-old boys were taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital in Fremantle and later discharged.
Swimming Coach Tamara Bruce said she had an increasingly “bad feeling” about the feasibility of the event for days in the lead-up.
“I thought the weather wasn’t up to scratch for a swim,” she said.
“It was the right decision to cancel it, but they probably should have canned the event before it started”.
Ms Bruce has been coaching 20 years and said that despite the disappointment, she is looking forward to coaching the event again next year.
Facebook groups dedicated to the event have been flooded with posts of mixed sentiments. While the majority supported the organisers’ decision to call it off many, like Ms Bruce, have been questioning why they started it in the first place.
Some were lamenting losing their entry fees, and suggesting it could have gone ahead a day later when the conditions were favourable.
No refunds
21-year-old participant Molly Smith said she was disappointed with the event’s disorganisation. She was part of a team with three other people who had made it to the 11-kilometre mark when they were pulled out of the water.
“I just feel it’s unfair with the amount of money, time and effort we all put into the race for it just to be cancelled during the event, with no reimbursements whatsoever.”
While Ms Smith does not question the merit of the decision to abort due to risky conditions, she echoes Ms Bruce’s sentiment that the event should have been called off before it started, and suggests it should have been postponed for a better outcome.
As a student battling the escalating cost of living crisis, she also questions the RCSA’s refund policy.
“It’s unreasonable to have to pay full price for a race you’re not allowed to finish.”
The event costs participants $400. The organisers terms state this cost is refundable up to 50 per cent if participants pull out of the race, but not refundable due to weather concerns or other issues.
There is also no refund for teams or duos swimming.
Disappointed, but determined for the future
Former Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) Swimming Champion Monet Edwards participated in the event as a solo swimmer.
She had 6 kilometres to go when she was pulled out of the water.
“It’s so upsetting to know that you’re so close […] and to be told that you’re not allowed to finish,” Ms Edwards said.
“I sacrificed a lot to be able to do the swim, and due to the event’s lack of safety we all got disadvantaged.”
Despite the disappointment, she said she is determined to come back next year.
The RCSA was approached for comment.
With reporting from Lucy Negus and Ella Muir-Goddard
