The challenge, also known as ‘Swim the Murray’, will run through June and July, allowing participants to virtually swim the distance between Echuca and Torrumbarry along the Murray River — about 100km within the Campaspe Shire boundaries.
Campaspe Shire Council aquatic facilities co-ordinator Marcus Maher said the initiative helped maintain swimming motivation during winter.
“You feel that in winter, the motivation to swim goes out the door a little bit, with the cool mornings and cold nights,” he said.
“The Winter Swim Challenge is about encouraging people to come in and swim, having their own goals and determination.
“It could be pushing an extra 10 laps out of your regular swim or upping the number of times a week you swim from even once a week to twice.
“It is about people coming in to go for a goal they might have, or it could be a competition with someone they know.
“The first year, we did have a husband and wife battling it out, or it just could be for a person’s own benefit.
“The swim challenge is for all our swimmers, from the youngest to the most senior swimmers, and those of all levels and experience.”
The 2024 challenge saw impressive participation, with 40 to 50 swimmers involved, and one participant achieving the 100km mark within two months.
Progress is tracked on a map displayed in the pool hall, with swimmers recording their laps on manual sheets at reception.
At the end of the swim challenge, participants who have visited the aquatic centre and completed 20 swims in that time go into the draw for prizes.
For more information, visit the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre at the corner of High and Service Sts, Echuca, or go to campaspeaquatics.com.au/pools
