Murray Johnston, 63 from Scarborough is a man on a mission - to tick off his 25th swim of the SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim on Sunday.
As final touches are being put to the 25th anniversary of the swim, the event organisers are still in disbelief with the growth of the swim since its inception in 1996 to today with 3,300 swimmers participating across the main 3.6 kilometre swim around the jetty, the One Mile Swim To Shore and the Kids Swim.
Murray was one of the inaugural 82 swimmers who took to the water back in 1996 and hasn't missed a swim since.
He joins four other swimmers vying for their 25th swim: Ian Mackay of Duncraig; Thelma Sharp of Bunbury and Wendy Tapper and Glenis Tate both of Busselton, participating in every one since the inception of the community based open water swim.
Murray took up swimming initially while living in Alice Springs in the 1980s as it provided a good option in regards to exercising and keeping fit during the hot summers and has loved swimming and being in the water ever since.
As a child he was often the first one in the water and the last to get out.
As an adult he started swimming laps in his late 20s for fitness and has swum regularly since then.
In the past Murray has swum with the Alice Springs, Bunbury and Perth Masters Swimming Clubs; however today he is currently swimming on his own at the new Scarborough Beach pool swimming mainly for enjoyment and fitness, swimming about 2.5-3kms per session four or five times a week.
As the Busselton Jetty Swim approaches he has increased his training to 3-4kms, five days a week.
"Swimming for me is very relaxing and gives me time to myself to think over things, make decisions and set myself personal swimming goals," Murray said.
"My main goal is to finish the Busselton Jetty Swim as fast and comfortably as possible.
"A time around 65 minutes would be very satisfying.
"Staying well and not having disruptions to training is perhaps the biggest challenge for someone of my age.
"Although I am generally in pretty good health, ill health and disruptions to training can set you back quite a bit as recovery can take longer as we age," he said.
To inspire others who may consider the Swim in the future, Murray said, "Considering the number of swimmers, the Busselton Jetty Swim is one of the best organised events I have been involved in. The swim itself is swum in clear water and although conditions can be a little trying at times it is generally an easy swim. The distance is long enough to feel a great sense of achievement and short enough to not completely wear you out".
With the swim celebrating its 25th anniversary on the weekend, the committee and will be marking the occasion with a showcase Busselton Jetty Swim Silver Anniversary Celebration concert and fireworks and exhibition at Railway House.
The free family concert on Saturday night kicks off at 5pm with the Battle of the Bands finals, followed by The Anchormen, a group of sea shanty singers warming up the crowd with their swashbuckling folk songs and larrikin fun in readiness for the headline act - Eskimo Joe.
The concert is an opportunity to commemorate the milestone plus to thank the local community for continually supporting the event.
The evening will conclude with fireworks that will light up the skies over Geographe Bay.
It then starts all over again on Sunday morning with the 3,300 swimmers taking to the water, with plenty of activities and attractions for the spectators and families to participate in and a general fun vibe on the foreshore.
For more information about the event go to busseltonjettyswim.org.au.
