The Head Above Water 24 Hour Swimathon returns to Collaroy Rockpool for the fourth year on March 5-6 after raising over $335,000 from 2019 to 2021 for mental fitness programs across the Northern Beaches.
And this year, Manly Observer will be coming on board as an event friend (in-kind sponsor) and taking part in the hack lane, also known as the suitable for slow swimmers with a large pregnant belly lane. Care to join?
This year, pandemic willing, the swimmer participation and fundraising total promises to be the best yet.
The 2022 swim begins at 9am on Saturday, 5 March and will finish at 9am on Sunday, 6 March.
There are four lanes to cater for all levels of swimming ability and people can choose to swim as many, or as few laps as they like. Every swimmer has the opportunity to raise money via their own sponsorship page or can form a team to raise even more money.
Head Above Water is an activity-based fundraising group on a mission to build mentally fit communities. Founded in response to the high rate of suicide on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and the mental health challenges faced by many in the community, Head Above Water believe that harnessing the power of a positive, supportive network is the most effective way we can make a difference.
Over the last three years, Head Above Water has partnered with Gotcha4Life (founded by TV and Radio personality, Gus Worland) to help fund mental fitness workshops, presentations and training including Man Anchor, Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman, as well as directly funding courses from the Sit (formerly Meditation for Men) and Peerhear telehealth services.
From 2018 to 2021, over 270 programs have been facilitated, reaching 8,750 men, women, boys and girls across Northern Beaches schools, sports clubs, businesses and community groups. This work is ensuring we all strive for a healthier and more meaningful life, for ourselves and those around us, helping address the tragic reality that eight people in Australia lose their life to suicide every day.
The success of Head Above Water is best summed up by Gus himself:
“The Head Above Water swim is one of the best 24 hours our community can experience. With so much money and awareness raised, it’s an amazing day and it’s just the start of a beautiful partnership between Head Above Water and Gotcha4Life.”
To register for the swim, click here
To volunteer for the event, click here
To donate directly to Head Above Water, click here
Every donation helps create meaningful connections and makes a positive difference throughout the community; every $40 raised funds a participant to attend a workshop, every $75 raised funds a 1-hour session with a qualified counsellor, every $700 raised funds a 6-week meditation course and every $4,000 raised funds 2 x 50-person workshops.
If you, or someone you know needs help, contact the Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511 which is a 24-hour telephone service operating 7 days a week across NSW.
Alternatively, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
All images: stevedubephotography.com
