THE Lake Leschenaultia Open Water Swim is returning on November 8 and will mark 40 years since the annual Mundaring tradition was first organised by Maida Vale Masters Swimming club.

Maida Vale Masters Swimming club secretary Lynne Duncan said the event enjoyed good participation and had only grown throughout the decades.

“When we first started, it was simply a Sunday morning club swim followed by a barbecue,” she said.

“My sister Andrea Williams is the president of the club and I am the club secretary and we’ve both been with the club almost since its inception, starting the swim in 1986.

“Originally we only held the 1.6km event, which replaced the traditional mile swim.

“As interest grew, we formalised the event under the Masters Swimming Australia open water swimming rules and invited other clubs to participate.

“Over time we introduced the 400m and 800m events, and around 34 years ago we added the 3.2km swim.

“The event has continued to grow in both participation and popularity and is one of the first swims on the open water calendar and the only freshwater swim on the calendar.”

Ms Duncan said most of the other events were held in the river or the ocean.

“Participation has grown from around 40 swimmers to almost 300 in our biggest year,” she said.

“Whether we reach those numbers this year remains to be seen, but we’re certainly hoping.”

Ms Duncan said the club was blown away by the support of the shire.

“The shire’s grant is particularly important because it allows us to present every finisher with a commemorative towel celebrating the event’s 40th anniversary,” she said.

“It also allows us to cover the cost of Blue Chip Timing which provides the electronic timing system now expected at open water events.

“Years ago we used stopwatches and handwritten results but today, electronic timing is essential.

“Competitors expect accurate results that can be uploaded online within an hour of finishing.

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive the funding and we’re still a bit stunned, to be honest.”

Maida Vale Masters Swimming Club is organising the event with four distances on offer in a non-competitive event.

Set against the stunning backdrop of one of the Perth Hills’ most popular destinations, the event showcases the unique recreational opportunities available at Lake Leschenaultia while bringing visitors into the region to experience its natural beauty.

The Shire of Mundaring council voted on July 14 to endorse $10,000 in funding for the event.

Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil said the anniversary event highlighted the important role community events played in bringing people together and celebrating local places.

“For 40 years, this event has encouraged people to get active, challenge themselves and experience everything that makes Lake Leschenaultia such a special place,” she said.

“The 40th anniversary swim is a fantastic example of an event that has stood the test of time thanks to the dedication of organisers, volunteers and participants.

“This funding is about investing in experiences that strengthen community connection, support local tourism and celebrate the unique character of our hills communities.”