AusLeisure

Coinciding with the first day of summer, Swimming Australia has launched Australia Swims, a nine-day celebration of the country’s love of swimming and water.

Set to run from 20th to 28th January, the campaign with present all Australians with opportunities to get involved - from swimming in their backyard pool or local beach, challenging themselves in an event or getting off the beaten track to explore a hidden swimming hole or river.

Swimming Australia President John Bertrand AO said Australia Swims aims to re-energise and capture Australia’s passion for swimming and the water, advising “summer in Australia is synonymous with swimming, it is a favourite pastime across the country with so many personal memories and moments centred at the beach or the pool.

“Together with Optus, we want to encourage all Australians to come together this January and go for a swim and celebrate a quintessential part of the Australian way of life.

“(We) have brought together a vast array of swimming experiences, everything from free DJ pool parties to challenging open water swims - experiences that are suitable for all ages and all swimming abilities, right across the country.

“This of course would not be possible without the support of Optus who recognise the importance of swimming to our Country and that swimming is in our DNA; part of what makes us Australian.”

Optus Ambassador and one of Australia’s most successful swimmers, Ian Thorpe said everyone’s swimming journey is unique but it is something that also brings us together.

The Olympic gold medallist commented “throughout my swimming career I worked incredibly hard to reach the elite level however, I also ensured I had fun along the way.

“Australia Swims is a great movement to bring the country together, encouraging the next generation to have fun and be safe around the water and I really hope a lot of Australians will take part.”

Four-time Olympian Leisel Jones added “when I was growing up being around water brought so much joy to my life and it’s so important we encourage everyone to give swimming a go, not just at the elite level, but for fun - who knows one day they might end up representing the Country!”

“I’ll be at the Optus Swims Sydney Harbour here on 20th January and I can’t wait to see the event bring people from all walks of life together, connected through our love of the water.”

Launched today, the Australia Swims website features over 500 swimming experiences: from an open water swim at Kingston Beach, Tasmania, to one of Australia’s northern-most pools at Nightcliff in Darwin.

Swimming Australia Chief Executive Mark Anderson concluded “Australia Swims is uniting the swimming industry, from local swimming clubs, to community pools, to privately run open water events, surf lifesaving Australia and other aquatic sports like triathlon and water polo.

“Australia Swims is about connecting everyone from the grass roots to the green and gold and everyone in between, there is truly something for everybody.”

With safety in and around water a key theme for Australia Swims, Swimming Australia has enlisted the support of Surf Life Saving Australia, to provide a guide to Australia’s patrolled beaches on our website. We encourage beach goers to always swim between the red and yellow flags.

For more information go to www.australiaswims.com.au

Main image shows today's launch of Australia Swims.

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