General Questions
Below you can find answer to our most Frequently Asked Questions. If something is not addressed, please contact us.
When is the next swim?
The next Balmoral Swim is being held on the 6th April 2025
Are you running the 2.5km and 5km swim this year?
We are pleased to announce that the 2.5km and 5km swim are back in the program this year.
Where does the money go?
The Children’s Cancer Institute has been the beneficiary of funds raised since 2006. Children’s Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research institute in Australia dedicated to research into the causes, better treatment, prevention, and cure of childhood cancer.
Can I volunteer to help with the swim?
If you would like to help on the day or have ideas on how to help the swim contact us
I have not swum in an ocean swim before?
The Balmoral Swim 1km is a good swim for the first time ocean swimmer, however it is very important that you feel comfortable with swimming the course with many other swimmers around you. You need to be able to be confident that you can swim the distance without lots of rests. It is a good idea to have got some practice swimming in similar conditions. Generally the conditions at Balmoral are calm but sometimes they are not and you need to feel comfortable swimming in different conditions.
Where can I find information for swimmers with a disability?
The Balmoral Swim welcomes swimmers with a disability. For more information see this link.
Entry
How can I enter the swim?
This registration is online via the Balmoralswim site. You can register online here
As condition of entry to the Balmoral Swim the participant will be required to confirm they have read the following Risk Warning, Waiver & Entry Conditions. or if the participant is under 18 or are defined as an incapable person, a parent or guardian will be required to confirm they have read the following Risk Warning, Waiver & Entry Conditions for minors or other incapable persons before proceeding with registration. Contact details for the parent/guardian MUST be provided.
DEFINITION
“Incapable Person” means a person who, because of the person being under the age of 18 or having a physical or mental disability, lacks the capacity to understand the risk warning.
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How do I know if my entry has been accepted?
You will receive an email confirming your entry.
Can I enter the swim on the day?
Unfortunately there is no on the day registration.
What is your cancellation policy?
In the case where the Events has to be cancelled, entry fees for those swimmers who entered this year will credited to next years event. Any registrations carried over from previous years cancellations will not be credited to the next years event.
If the Events swimmer participation numbers need to be restricted due to changing COVID restrictions the competitor will be chosen on a first come first served basis. Entry fees will be credited to next years event for those who do not make the cut of swimmers participating.
Refunds or credits will not be made for any additional items purchased, such as event merchandise and charitable donations
Fundraising
How can I start fundraising?
To start fundraising you need to set up a fundraising page For more information on fundraising go to "How to Fundraise".
How can I make changes to my fundraising page?
To edit your fundraising you need to login to your account with the user you used when you set up your fundraising page. Once you have logged in you can customise your fundraising page or update your account details.
How can I share my fundraising page with my friends?
You can share your fundraising page by going to your fundraising page. On your fundraising page is a section "Share this page". You can copy the url and send it out or share the page by facebook, twitter and instagram.
Where do I go to find a fundraising page for a particular person?
If you want to find fundraising page for a particular person you can go to the "Sponsor a Friend" page and do a search to find the fundraising page.
I want to set up a team for fundraising, how do I do that?
When you set up your fundraising page you can also set up a team at the same time. If you have already set up your fundraising page then log into your account and you will be able to set up a team from your fundraising page. You will then be able to update the team details as well as invite people to join your team.
Getting there
How can I get to Balmoral by public transport?
To get to Balmoral you can catch a 114 bus from Royal North Shore hospital or a 238 bus from Taronga zoo. For more information visit Sydney buses info.
What is parking like if I come by car?
Parking on a busy day at Balmoral can be a challenge so we do recommend that you come by public transport. If you do decide to come by car there is metered parking on the Esplanade and 2 hr parking on Awaba, Waitovu and Hunter streets.
On the day
Is there a bag drop, how does it work?
There will be a bag drop tent open from 6:15am – 11:30am. You will be required to provide details (name and mobile number) so we can and attach it to your bag for minding . Please note the event will take care of your belongings, but no responsibility will be taken for valuables or clothing that are lost or damaged.
Is there somewhere to change on the day?
We are asking all swimmers to come ready to swim, however you can change in the toilets. It will be a busy day at the beach so it is better to come prepared ready to swim. Toilets are located at the north, south and centre of Balmoral Beach at Bathers Pavilion, Balmoral Baths and the Bus shed.
Where do I check in to register on the day?
All competitors will need to check in at the relevant event desk to pick up caps and timing tags. These desks are located on beach near the Balmoral Beach Club. There are various times for this to occur depending on the event you have entered. see the event information on the website.
Do I get a swimming cap or should I bring my own?
As part of registration you will be given a colored cap which is for your age group and event.
What is happening on the day and when?
See here for the plan of what is happening on the day
The Swim
Can I swim with my partner/children?
We prefer that you swim in your allocated age wave group, however if there is a need to swim with another person then you will need to inform the registration desk when you register so that your finish time can be adjusted. You will not be eligible for any prizes . You will need to be mindful of other swimmers when you swim the course and not obstruct them.
Can I use fins etc?
You can use fins, however you will need to inform the registration desk when you register so that your finish time can be adjusted. You will not be eligible for any prizes and will need to go off in a wave at the back of all swimmers. You will need to be mindful of other swimmers when you swim the course and not obstruct them.
What happens if I get tired or can not continue?
The event will have safety personnel around the course keeping a eye on swimmers. There are trained lifeguards and medical professionals on call. If you're just tired but don't need assistance, rolling onto your back is a good way to have a partial break. Try and do this out of the way of the swimmers in each wave. If you decide you do need help, whilst on your back raise your arm to attract attention and wait till a safety person comes to you..
Results/Prizegiving
What time is prize giving?
The presentation of a medals to all participants will occur immediately after the race.
If I am not able to collect my medal on the day?
If you are not able to collect your medal on the day, you will need to organise for some-one else to collect your medal. Prizes will not be posted out if you do not claim your prize.
When will the results be on the website?
All the results will be posted online later in the day.
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