We know many of our members were looking forward to competing in this year’s State Endurance Championships. Unfortunately, SLSWA has made the difficult decision to cancel the event following a review of safety risks associated with recent heightened shark activity at City Beach. While disappointing for athletes, officials and clubs, member safety remains the highest priority. Please see the full update from SLSWA below.
I write on behalf of the Sports Team at SLSWA in reference to the Endurance Championships scheduled for Saturday 10 October 2026.
After an extensive review over the last few days, we have decided to cancel this event for 2026 and will process a refund for anyone who has entered the event.
SLSWA has received significant feedback from parents, competitors, and officials. Understandably many of our members have concerns about ocean activities, and particularly an event of this nature, at present.
As you would appreciate the Endurance Championships is not a standard event resulting in competing members being in the water for an extended period over an extended distance. This creates significant lifesaving challenges re surveillance and evacuating the water in an emergency. In our review the Sports Team did consider modified courses and and/or distances, but we believe this would devalue the specific purpose of this event ie that it is an Endurance Championship.
I wish to acknowledge City of Perth SLSC for their event pre planning and preparation. I also acknowledge Mullaloo SLSC and Trigg Island SLSC. who have both reached out with an offer to host the Endurance Championship. Our team considered moving the Championship, but we believe the factors above are still relevant at another venue.
Beach athletes are reminded that the first Beach Stormers Round is scheduled for Saturday 10 October 2026. Details can be found on our mybeach website.
Our first multi disciplined scheduled season event will now become the Fuel to Go & Play Youth/Open Carnival at Sorrento Beach on Saturday 24 October noting that this event is now a selection event for Western Suns Youth/Open and Pathway Teams. As this is a “normal style” of event we believe we will be more able to implement the appropriate level of surveillance and water safety measures. As we do in the lead up to any event, we will continue to monitor the suitability of the venue and weather condition and will communicate changes should the need arise.
David Somers
Sport & Development Manager
