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The Billy Swim
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.
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.
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.
Education and Training
Education and Training
Our aim is to provide education and training in nationally recognised courses to educate our members to the highest standard. This provides opportunities for skills based development and important life skills for our members, enabling them to effectively patrol Bilgola Beach.
Surf Rescue Certificate
The Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) is the entry level patrolling award for people aged 13 and above. It provides participants with the skills and knowledge of basic patrolling and surf awareness in order to be able to participate in lifesaving operations and act in the role of Water Safety Personnel.
Skills Maintenance / Proficiency
Yearly Skills Maintenance (Proficiency) ensures the ongoing competency of members in their area of training and activities. All patrol members and any competing members are required to complete Skills maitenance. This is a refresher and not an exam.
Further Awards
There are a number of higher awards available to members after completing their Bronze Medallion. These include Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, Powercraft, First Aid and Public Safety awards.
More Information
Contact the Bilgola SLSC Club training team.
This is the core award to be a surf lifesaver in Australia. The Bronze Medallion is a skills based award for ages 15 and above. Candidates train in groups for approximately six (6) weeks, training twice per week. The course provides participants with the skills and knowledge of patrolling and surf awareness.
Trainers and Assessors
Our Trainers and Assessors are the backbone of Bilgola SLSC. Trainers teach the skills and knowledge for our courses, and Assessors test candidates once they have the skills and knowledge required. Both follow the pathway provided by the SLSC NSW.
Bronze Medallion
Thinking of obtaining your Bronze Medallion?
The Bronze Medallion is a skills based award for those at a minimum of 15 years of age. Candidates train in groups at Bilgola SLSC for approximately six (6) weeks, with training twice per week.
The Bronze Medallion award is a great way to get healthy and meet local people. The fantastic team ethic and accepting camaraderie at Bilgola SLSC greatly helps candidates get to their Bronze.
To express your interest in the next Bronze Medallion course at Bilgola SLSC, send an email to the Bilgola SLSC training team.
What is the Pre-Requisite?
At the start of the course you will do a pre-requisite pool swim (400 metres within 9 minutes). Our training team will help you reach this goal.
What will I learn?
You will learn CPR, First Aid, and Radio/Signal communication. You will also learn how to do a rescue using a tube and a board, along with spinal injury rescue techniques. This is a great way to involve yourself in Surf Lifesaving as well as being trained in one of the most important life skills that everyone should know.
Bronze Medallion Fees
The training fee for new bronze members over 18 years is $200. For all new members under 18 years, the fee is $150. This covers 1-year membership, training manual, patrol uniform and cap. This fee is paid prior to training commencing. All under 18 years renewing members pay a registration fee of $75 for all training which includes 1-year membership (these people will already have their own uniform and training manual from SRC).
Want to learn more?
Send a message to our Club Training team using the button below.
