Adults L to R – Nick Wyatt, Maaike & Lew Hine & Peter Marr Kids – Luke 13 & Ella Wyatt 10 with Danny and Daisy. Photo: Jon Hewson. d490119 communitypix.com.au.
Camera IconAdults L to R – Nick Wyatt, Maaike & Lew Hine & Peter Marr Kids – Luke 13 & Ella Wyatt 10 with Danny and Daisy. Photo: Jon Hewson. d490119 communitypix.com.au. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Runaway duck returns for 2019 Coogee Jetty to Jetty Swim

Jessica NicoCockburn Gazette

ORGANISERS of the 2019 Coogee Jetty to Jetty Swim are getting all their ducks in a row in hopes their mascots won’t waddle off like last year.

The annual swim between Woodman Point and Coogee Beach made international headlines last year when giant inflatable mascot Daphne broke loose and ducked out for a weeklong adventure on her own, much to the bemusement of organisers.

“Luckily we found out that a local fisherman had plucked her from the water west of Rottnest Island and Daphne was eventually safely returned to Coogee, a little battered and bruised but otherwise in good shape,” event coordinator Nick Wyatt said.

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“The club was amazed by the worldwide media surrounding her disappearance with enquiries coming in from the ABC, BBC, Washington Post, New York Times and many other countries around the world.

“She’s now had her five minutes of fame so we will probably use a few more ropes and extra security to make sure Daphne makes it to the start line this year and doesn’t go on any more travels.”

Tripling the mascot fun, Daphne will be joined at this year’s event by duckling duo Danny and Daisy.

Daphne the runaway duck.
Camera IconDaphne the runaway duck. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Now in it’s 23rd instalment, the 2019 Coogee Jetty to Jetty Swim is on track to equal the participation records set in the last two years, when they reached swimmer capacity and were declared sell outs.

Mr Wyatt said it was a true community event that had a fun, family atmosphere.

“The swim itself takes place in shallow water close to the shoreline in the pristine waters of Coogee Beach which allows swimmers of all ages and abilities to have a go at any of the three distances on offer, a 250m Try It, 750m Splash and the 1500m Classic,” he said.

“Coordinated entirely by volunteers from local swimming club Cockburn Masters, the aim of the event is to actively encourage participation in a healthy activity and to create a community atmosphere which the whole family can enjoy.

“Everyone seems to take part with a smile on their face, our best measure of success.”

Online registrations are open, with early bird prices on offer until January 31.

Visit www.jettytojetty.org.au for more information.

Read: Daphne goes missing from 2018 Coogee Jetty to Jetty Swim.