Magnetic Island to Townsville Open Water Swim

From Openwaterpedia

The Magnetic Island to Townsville Open Water Swim is a long-running 8-kilometer ocean swim from Magnetic Island to Townsville, Australia. The swim has been conducted for over 60 years and has been run 'cage-less' for the last several years. The swim is run by the Townsville Open Water Swimming Association Inc. (TOWSA).

History

The race was started in 1954 when three surf life savers, Kauko Kaurila, Don Howlett and George Marshall swam for the first time from Magnetic Island to Ross Creek in Townsville, Australia in order to celebrate a Royal visit by the Queen. The first swim across this treacherous channel, a nursery ground for tiger sharks and an area often strewn with stingers, was performed in 1924 by Douglas Pitt on Australia Day who, in order to protect himself from the numerous marine life, swam inside a shark cage made of timber and wire that was towed by a boat.

Distance

8 km

Type

Ocean

Location

City Magnetic Island to Townsville

State/County/Province Queensland

Country Australia

Region Oceania

Event Information

Month: July

Event Date: July every year

Website: Magnetic Island to Townsville Open Water Swim

Class: Amateur

Wetsuit: See Site for Details

External links

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