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 8.30am.
Stay tuned for more details..
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 swimmers from Cairns to Melbourne.
WHAT ARE THE SWIM DISTANCES FOR THIS EVENT?
500m - a gentle swim for kids and parents who are up for a bit of fun and fitness
1km - a comfortable swim distance for first timers to ocean swimming
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 years 300+ registered swimmers this year.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?
Entrants must be at least 14 years old to participate in the swim legs over 1km.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Details coming for early bird registrations .........
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?
YEP. The colour of your cap lets the surf life savers know what swim distance / course you are on.
HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRY FEE?
500m distance $60
1km distance: $65
3km distance: $70
5km distance: $75
CAN I wear SWIM FINS and/ OR wetsuit?
Yes you can.
Most folks don't wear wetsuits, but your call. The water is often warmer than the air temperature, but please do wear one if it might effect 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?
Yep. We encourage young swimmers to participate on teh 500m swim 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, or whenever we reach 300 swimmers, whichever is earlier).