Splash into swim challenge

By Jaci Hicken

May 8, 2024

Swim the Murray: Participate in the winter swim challenge at Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre and swim the length of the Southern 80. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Do you want to swim the distance of the Southern 80 in a warm indoor pool without leaving Echuca?

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If you answered yes, join Campaspe Shire Council’s winter swim challenge at the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre.

After the success of the 2023 challenge, aquatic facilities co-ordinator Marcus Maher knows that it is a terrific concept.

“You feel that in winter, the motivation to swim goes out the door a little bit, with the cool mornings and cold nights,” Mr Maher said.

“The winter swim challenge is about encouraging people to come in and swim.

“Different methods of swimming suit different people. It could be people who are pretty new or getting back into swimming during winter.

“People who already swim once or twice a week just might want to swim that little bit extra, and many come in for another day a week.

“Or it might be people that already swim 10 laps a week, once a week, and want to try and improve their swimming and go that next step and do 20 laps.

“Everyone has their own internal goals, which they can work towards.”

The winter swim challenge, also called ‘Swim the Murray’, includes a map on the pool hall wall of the Murray River and how far people have travelled.

Don’t worry — you are not expected to swim the whole Murray River over winter.

The route is set within the Campaspe Shire boundaries, from Echuca to Torrumbarry along the river.

“Last year, we had one swimmer that made their way there (to Torrumbarry) and then started to make their way back to Echuca,” Mr Maher said.

“We had a husband and wife battling each other and others that increased their laps a little bit.

“In the end, health and fitness are important for all, and we felt that doing this challenge got people into the centre and created a competition for them to participate in.”

At the end of the challenge, a prize draw will be held for people who have visited a certain number of times over winter, including something for the person who swims furthest.