Dave Winner

Will there be water safety and drones keeping a watch over me during the swim?

Yes a drone ( UAV) flown by one of Surf Life Savings most experienced drone pilots will fly for one hour prior to the event and throughout the event to watch out for possible hazards to swimmers. There will be two jet skis operated by highly skilled members of Surf Life Saving Illawarra Support Operations in the water throughout the swim escorting the swimmers. There will be two IRB (rubber duckies) in the water throughout the swim escorting the swimmers. There will be multiple surf life savers on rescue boards in the water throughout the swim escorting the swimmers. There will be multiple surf life savers with rescue tubes in the water close to the waters edge at both the start and finish to support the swimmers.

What happens if the event is cancelled ?

We do not have a reserve day. If the swim is cancelled you will have your entry fee refunded.

When can the event be cancelled?

The event can be cancelled at any time up until the scheduled start of the event at 11am on Sunday the 22nd of November.

Why would the event be cancelled?

The event would be cancelled if in the opinion of the water safety team and the race organiser, the prevailing conditions posed an unacceptable risk to the competitors or water safety personnel.  Reasons for cancelling the event may include examples such as Dangerous surf, poor water quality, presence of dangerous marine creatures, water temperature and hazardous weather conditions.

Is there parking available at Coalcliff SLSC?

Yes there is overflow parking in the Nippers Grass carpark on Bombora Way, Coalcliff.

Is there public transport to Coalcliff?

Trains ( subject to track work).

From the North a train arrives at Coalcliff at 9.40am that left Bondi Junction at 8.13am.

From the South a train arrives at Coalcliff at 9.07am, that leaves Kiama at 7.49am.

It's a ten minute walk from Coalcliff Station to Coalcliff Surf Club.

For the full Sunday timetable check the South Coast Train Timetable at https://transportnsw.info/documents/timetables/93-SCO-South-Coast-Line-20260419.pdf

Buses also operate between Stanwell Park and Wollongong on the following Timetable:-

https://www.premierillawarra.com.au/pdf/timetables/2_timetable.pdf

Where can I get changed into my swimming gear?

There are bathrooms in the Surf Club building as well as public toilets at the rear of the surf club building.

Will there be somewhere safe for me to leave my personal belongings during the swim?

Yes a safe area will be set aside for personal belongings to be left during the swim.

Can I swim in a wetsuit?

You can but you will not be eligible to win an age group category or overall placing. Swimming in a wetsuit is an option for many recreational swimmers, which we welcome.

Can I swim using swim fins?

You can but you will not be eligible to win an age group category or overall placing. 

Will the race be electronically timed?

Yes we employ the 'The Timing Guys' to deliver electronic timing for our event. 'The Timing Guys' time such high profile events as the 'Shark  lsland Swim'. You will be provided with an ankle timing chip when you sign in on the day.

Learn more at https://thetimingguys.com.au

Will I need to bring my own swim cap?

No. You will be provided with a swim cap when you sign in on the day.

Will there be food available to buy at the event?

Yes Coalcliff SLSC will be running a BBQ with water and soft drinks for sale.

Are there food outlets nearby after the swim?

There are cafes and restaurants in Stanwell Park, 5 minutes drive north of Coalcliff and at Wombarra, Coledale, Austinmer and Thirroul within close driving distance to the South. We recommend our friends at Coledale RSL who sponsor our Starlink and support 'The Dave Winner Foundation'.

Is there accomodation nearby to Coalcliff for out of towners to stay at? 

Here is the the Visit NSW.com site that list numerous sites to stay at in the Wollongong and Northern Illawarra areas. 

https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/accommodation

There are numerous Air BNB's in the local area as well.

Being just south of Sydney, Coalcliff is situated close to Sydney accomodation options as well, particularly in Sutherland Shire locations such as Cronulla.

The Timing Guys