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Updates for the Swim Around Keppel weekend, September 5-6, 2025
Good Morning Open Water Swimming Lovers – amazing people who signed up for SAM-6, Putney-1, and SAK20 swims
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Definitely: please contact your boat skipper / support jetskier / paddler and chat to him/her about the weather prediction for the weekend. If they don’t feel confirmable to cross on Friday or Saturday morning, there is nothing we can do about it. Friday is looking very swimmable and boattable đ
If your support won’t be available, It is not the end of the world. We have a couple of plans đ
I there are any issues, please get back to me. ….
Looking at the weather the winds are shifting a bit and there is a chance what is suppose to be here next week, might arrive earlier…
Looking at the weather prediction this morning, which is very much different to what it was yesterday, we are getting ready, if required, to implement a Plan B for Saturday swim.
I believe there are a few amazing swimmers in a group who came to Keppel a few years ago when we had to go with the plan B. You might have a chance to improve your time 
This is just a heads up message, it hasn’t been decided yet.
Why plan B?
Plan B is there for the safety of the participants. Not just swimmers ( you care the least about the rough waters 
) but the support crew: paddles, boated, etc. Waters in some parts of the island become very rough and very “all over the place” which will make paddling much more dangerous  that actually swimming through.
With the strong winds in place, there is a very good chance that support boats won’t cross the waters between the mainland and GKI. Wre have to take that important part in consideration as well.
What is the plan B?
It is not as amazing as a plan A but it is a much better option than to cancel the event all together.
It is an alternative course. Even though it is a bit shorter, the currents won’t always be always on your side. I believe it is a bit tougher swim, than the one around the whole island.
Plan B:
Individual swim:
swim on the North side of the island from the Spit to Big Peninsula and back, staying close to the shore.. On your way there keep markers on your left, on your way back keep them on your right: stay between the markers and the island.
Relays: course might be slightly different, bit away from the shore, just so we can keep  boats and swimmers separately. Start time, due to the tides, will be slightly later.
SAM6 we do have a plan B for you guys as well and there is no need for plan B for 1km swim đ
Again this is just a heads-up message, just in case of a type of thing.
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28/8/2025
Trust all is well with you, and you are getting as excited
about SAK2025 event as we are.
1. Transfer from and to the airport, with CQ connections. If you havenât done it yet. Please visit https://cqconnections.com.au/rockhampton-airport-transfers/ and fill out the form for Paul.
FRIDAY
Swim Middle Island (~12:00) and 1km (~16:00pm) on Friday
You can catch 9:00 am ferry from the mainland and be on time for the swim (Keppel Konnections) Last ferry of the Island on Friday is @6:00pm (Keppel Konnections)
Tow Floats
Participants who swim around Middle and Keppel Island events MUST wear a bright orange tow float. No exceptions. If you pre-purchased a float, it will be in your goody bag.
Safety Sign-in/Sign-out prior to the swim.
Each participant must sign-in and sign-out before and after the swim. There will be a person on the beach, in bright yellow, at the start and the finish of each swim you will have to see that person and let him/her know that you are participating and that you are finished.
EXAMPLE:
At the Start: âGâDay, #125 Julie Boxsell is here for the swimâ.
At the Finish: âOh man, that was amaaazing. #125 Julie Boxsell, yes, Iâm all good, ready for some food and drinksâ.
Bib/Temporary Tattoo
Participants who swim around Middle and Keppel Island events will be given temporary tattoos for their swimmer number in their registration bag. If you are doing multiple events, this number is the same for both events. If you are a relay swimmer, only one swimmer in the team will get tattoo numbers.
Placement: Please place these numbers on your left upper arm. There are instructions on the back who to apply them.
SATURDAY
SAK2025 Swim Around Keppel on Saturday (~9:30am)
7:30 Keppel Konnections ferry or earlier is the one to catch, Return ferries are @5:30pm,, 8:15pm ( Keppel Konnections )
Check-in
For all the events, check-in will be available starting Friday, September 5th  9:30am at KISAâs stand at the Hideaway Bistro. You can check-in and grab your goody bag at any time through the weekend.
Please get this done as early as possible so we can close registrations all together and focus on other things.
⢠If you pre-purchased items, they will be in your goody bag.
⢠Dinner: The wristband in your bag is for the parilla dinner on Saturday. Extra tickets could be purchased at the Hideaway reception on Friday or Saturday.
⢠Swim Caps: Everyone gets a cap as part of your registration
o PINK side is for all individual swims SAK20
o YELLOW side is for relays swimmers SAK20
o GREEN is for 1 & 6 km swims
Please be aware: check-in will be closed 30 min prior to the start of a swm.
Safety Sign-in/Sign-out prior to the swim.
Each participant must sign-in and sign-out before and after the swim. There will be a person on the beach, in bright yellow, at the start and the finish of each swim you will have to see that person and let him/her know that you are participating and that you are finished.
EXAMPLE:
At the Start: âGâDay, #125 Julie Boxsell is here for the swimâ.
At the Finish: âOh man, that was amaaazing. #125 Julie Boxsell, yes, Iâm all good, ready for some food and drinksâ.
Bib/Temporary Tattoo
Participants who swim around Middle and Keppel Island events will be given temporary tattoos for their swimmer number in their registration bag. If you are doing multiple events, this number is the same for both events. If you are a relay swimmer, only one swimmer in the team will get tattoo numbers.
Placement: Please place these numbers on your left upper arm. There are instructions on the back who to apply them.
Get to know your Paddlers and Boaties
Swimmers it is your responsibility to get to know your paddler and boaties. You need to educate them on your preferences and your plans. Swim and meal plans that is.
⢠If you like to swim on the left, let them know.
⢠How often are you feeding, let them know.
The more they know about your swimming choices, the more enjoyable your swim is going to be. You know what you want/like. It is your responsibility to let them know.
Other things to let them knowâŚ
⢠YOUR NAME!
⢠Things to look out for:
o changes in stroke,
o mental state,
o make them ask you if youâve done wees.
The relationship of paddler/boatie and swimmer is one of great importance and should be a close relationship (you donât everyone you meet, when youâve done wee!). We do not supply paddlers or what experience the paddler have. Itâs up to you to make sure youâre your relationship is appropriate for your safety!
Tow Floats
Participants who swim around Middle and Keppel Island events MUST wear a bright orange tow float. No exceptions. If you pre-purchased a float, it will be in your goody bag.
7. KISA Merchandise https://swimaroundkeppel.square.site/
Merch will be available all weekend however if youâd like to purchase items online now and pick up on the weekend, we can arrange that. These will not be in your registration bag as they werenât purchased with registration.
If you choose to do this, choose the pick-up option in the check-out.
This event is proudly brought to you by the Keppel Islands Swimming Association.
Swim Around Keppel is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
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