Distances and Age Restrictions
Most rounds offer a 500m swim at 7:30 am, followed by 1.25km, 2.5km, and 5km swims at 8:00 am. Some rounds also feature 7.5km and 10km swims. The 10km swim can be used to qualify for the Rottnest Channel Swim.
No, but you must sign a waiver stating you are a capable swimmer for your chosen distance.
- 500m: Minimum age 9
- 1.25km: Minimum age 11
- 2.5km – 5km: Minimum age 12
- 10km: Minimum age 14*
Swimmers aged 9-10 need a chaperone. No maximum age limits.
*13-year-olds aiming to qualify for the Rottnest Channel Swim should contact Swimming WA at (08) 9328 4599.
Membership and Registration
No, your club membership allows access to SWA member prices.
No, Masters Members get discounted rates. Register via the “OWS & Masters” tab.
If you are not a member of a Swimming WA affiliated club or a Master’s Swimming Club and want to swim more than three rounds, sign up as an OWS member to save money.
No, non-members can register for a day pass.
Only registered members of affiliated Swimming WA clubs can compete in the three state rounds. OWS and Masters members are not eligible.
- Round 1: Leighton (7.5km State Championships)
- Round 2: Bunbury (5km State Championships)
- Round 3: Coogee (10km State Championships)
Yes, interstate or international members can enter at member rates. Email ows@wa.swimming.org.au for the entry form. State body sign-off is required for state championships.
Race Day and Event Information
You will receive an E-ticket with important information at least 24 hours before the race.
Live results will be available on the Open Water website or via a QR code near the refreshment desk.
To qualify for national competition or leaderboard points, follow Swimming Australia’s Open Water By-Law 7. There are no restrictions for other participants.
Exposed zips on wetsuits must be covered. Watches and jewellery are not permitted.
Course maps are available on the event pages of the website. The final course map will be included with the E-ticket.
No, because swims from 1.25km and up start within 3 minutes of each other. You can swim the 500m or chaperone someone in the 500m, as it starts at 7:30 am.
Medals are presented once enough competitors have finished. Categories include:
- U14
- U18
- Open (18-34)
- Legend (35-49)
- Super Legend (50+)
State round medals are separate:
- 13-14 (5km only)
- 15-16
- 17-18
- Open
A weather forecast will be emailed on the Friday before the event. For updates, check the Bureau of Meteorology.
The series winner is determined by the OWS Scoring System. Points are awarded to the top eight swimmers in each category, multiplied by the distance swum. To be eligible, swimmers must complete six Swimming WA events, including at least one regional round.
If an event is cancelled, an email and SMS will be sent. Updates will also be posted on OWS Series Facebook.
Refunds are provided for illness or injury with a medical certificate or if a technical error occurred during registration. Contact ows@wa.swimming.org.au for open water events and waswim@wa.swimming.org.au for pool meets. Include a medical certificate, meet name, event, swimmer’s name, and contact details.
Paddlers are allowed for 7.5km and 10km events but must stay outside the course. Feeders must be in the designated area along the beach.
Race Day and Event Information
Swimming WA organises the event. The Meet Director is the OWS Coordinator, and each round has a Chief Referee.
A water safety first aid tent with qualified personnel will be set up on the beach from registration until after all races are completed.
Swimming WA has a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy and collaborates with Surf Life Saving WA and State Government Departments for water safety. If conditions are unsafe, the event will be cancelled, and competitors can choose another event. The cancelled event will count towards state championships qualification.
Sunday events clash with the SLS Nippers program, making it challenging to meet water safety requirements.
Public Comment
If there is something you would like to see changed in our series, please email ows@wa.swimming.org.au and feedback will be taken to the OWS Commitee for consideration.