The 35th annual South32 Rottnest Channel Swim is set to take place on Saturday, 22 February 2025, with the earliest waves departing from Cottesloe Beach (Mudurup) at 5:45 AM. This iconic 19.7km open water swim to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), BCRC WA fundraisers made an incredible impact, coming 4th overall in the charity leaderboard, raising an impressive $24,000 to support breast cancer research and patient care.

The 2025 Rottnest Channel Swim proved to be both a test of endurance and an incredible success for charity fundraising. While conditions were challenging, with some rough patches along the way, just enough east in the wind provided a helpful push across the channel. Swimmers battled through but were rewarded with great weather, making for a memorable day on the water. Honourable mentions go to ”The Bulldogs—Harrison, Lincoln, Tate, and Tom”—raised an outstanding $4,079, pushing through the tough conditions with determination. Meanwhile, the ”Mar Mystics” swam in memory of their dear padel teammate, Marloes Mars, raising an inspiring $3,730 in her honor. An incredible tribute!

FUNDRAISING SPOTLIGHT: McCarthy Family & the Girls Gone to Rotto

In 2019, David took on his first solo Rottnest Channel Swim while his wife, Chelsea, was undergoing treatment with Dr. Arlene Chan. The swim became more than just a personal challenge—it was a way to give back, raising over $30,000 for BCRC WA. After Chelsea’s passing in November 2020, close friends Paul and Sascha Keppel helped him organize another swim in 2021. This time, David swam alongside his son Hamish, with Paul and his son Mitch, forming Team “Dads & Lads.” Once again, their fundraising efforts made a significant impact, providing much-needed support for BCRC WA.

Now, a few years later and turning 50, David saw this as the perfect opportunity to take on another solo swim and raise funds once more. He began training in July, swimming at North Cottesloe with the Pod Squad, a close-knit community of swimmers. Meanwhile, his daughter Jessie joined a team with Paul and Sascha’s nieces, ”Girls Gone to Rotto”. Their efforts paid off tremendously—they topped the leaderboard, raising an impressive $8,068, while David contributed another $3,000. His family’s journey is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of swimming for a cause.