In 1996, Max and Jenny Higgins along with Richard and Leanne Ford came up with the idea to swim around the Busselton Jetty and did so with 82 family members and friends.
Twenty-five years on, the Higgins and Ford families are reminiscing about the inaugural swim with neither couple ever envisaging that it would lead to the event becoming what it is today.
On its 25th anniversary in 2020, a record breaking 3,3000 people from around the world will participate in the open water swim, making it around 30,000 swimmers of all ages and abilities to have completed the event.
The Busselton Jetty Swim has remained true to its values over the 25 year history of the event, providing an affordable open water swim that is both inclusive and community based.
It is estimated the event has contributed more than $25 million to the local economy.
As the Higgins and Ford sit back in awe of what they have created and enjoy a laugh as they reflect on the event's beginnings when swimmers received a time scribbled on a soggy raffle-ticket.
Busslton Jetty Swim vice president Richard Ford said it was hard to believe that 25 years on, 30,000 swimmers had completed the event.
"There's no way that was envisaged in 1996," he said.
"A great idea, shared goals and a commitment to making this community event the best it could be has led to wonderful outcomes.
"This event is a great challenge each year for everyone involved, swimmers, volunteers, event organisers, the community and all of our stakeholders and sponsors.
"But for me, the privilege of witnessing so many individual moments of commitment, courage, camaraderie and pure joy make this event truly special.
"Everyone involved should be justifiably proud of what we have created together each year at the Busselton Jetty Swim."
Swimmers will be vying to break Jamie Bowler's 2019 open female record of 43:19:6, and Rhys Mainstone's 2019 open male record of 39:35:2.
Next year promises to be another huge weekend full of swim events, free entertainment, attractions and activities for the whole family to be involved in.
Event information and entry details can be found at busseltonjettyswim.org.au.
