Billy Swim

The Billy Swim is typically the second of the Northern Beaches ocean swims each year, part of the Pittwater Ocean swim series. In our spectacular setting, the 500m and 1.5km events offer something for the young, the new-comers, or well-seasoned veterans. While our location and beach is idealic, the Billy Swim is a true ocean swim, and conditions on our beach break can be tough with only partial protection from the ocean conditions.

Blackmores Billy Swim | Bilgola SLSC

Registration

There are discounts for registering early at the Ocean Swims Website.

Registration will be available under the tent at the beach on the day from 8am.  You will be given your colour division cap at the event.  Please arrive early as it will be busy.

A course and safety briefing is given approximately 1 minute prior to the start of each division.

The Course

The Billy Swim consists of a diamond shaped course which is clearly marked with large bouys in the water. All competitors swim between the first bouys (known as the “gate”) just behind the break as they start and finish the course. The swim then follows a path that first heads towards the north headland, as shown in the diagram below.

The shorter course follows a similar path, as shown by the dotted line.

Bilgola SLSC | Bilgola Ocean Swim Course

The Club have many water safety volunteers and craft on the course to assist swimmers in navigation.

The Finish

The Start and Finish line is in the centre of the beach.  All swimmers times are electronically recorded so long as they cross the designated finish line.

If you withdraw from the event after registration or throughout the event, please ensure you return your electronic tag and that your name is marked off.

After completion of the race, competitors proceed to the barbeque and lawn area next to the club house where water and fruit will be available free of charge.

Presentation

The presentation of awards will take place in the barbeque lawn area (weather permitting) as soon as possible after the last swimmer has completed the course.

Parking

Unless your car has a Northern Beaches council parking permit, the carpark at Bilgola Beach is on a pay and display basis which is enforced by council officers. The carpark fills up early on the day of the Billy Swim. Locals should consider leaving the car at home and walking.

If you drive, you should park in the special event parking area at Porter Reserve, North Newport, in Burke St off Barrenjoey Rd, then catch the free shuttle to Bilgola beach. We recommend sharing cars and arriving early wherever possible.

More Information

For all the latest information on the Blackmores Billy swim, visit the Ocean Swims Website.

Blackmores Billy Swim | Bilgola SLSC