Welcome to the
Sydney Airport
Shark Island Swim Event
Sunday 22nd February 2026
Incorporating the
Pulse Cronulla Beach Fun Swim
Distance: 1 km – 8.30 am start
Timing band collection: 7.00 am onwards
from marquee in Cronulla Park
and the
Sydney Airport Shark Island Swim
Distance: 2.3 km – 10.00 am start
Timing band collection: 8.30 am onwards
from marquee in Cronulla Park
Cronulla SLSC shares the community’s concerns about those affected by the unprecedent number of shark incidents in the Sydney waters over the past days.
Based on consultation with Surf Lifesaving and with Lifeguards the Club is planning to proceed with its 36th Annual Sydney Airport Shark Island Swim and the Pulse Cronulla Beach Fun Swim on the back up date, Sunday, 22 February 2026.
We also understand that some may have apprehensions about entering and participating in the swim.
Please be assured that Cronulla SLSC holds safety primarily in mind in all that it does both in watching over all who come to our beach whether it be to swim or to partake in other beach activities. This includes patrolling of the beach and the planning and delivery of the Shark Island Swim and the Cronulla Beach Fun Swim.
In light of recent events the club has further reviewed its arrangements for this swim that includes:
- Aerial surveillance of the water before and during both races using a minimum of two drones operated by qualified and experienced accredited Surf Life Saving pilots;
- A minimum of five Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs);
- Three Rescue Water Craft (Jet Skis) operated by qualified personnel from Cronulla Shire Council and Surf Life Saving Sydney;
- Up to 25 qualified Surf Life Savers on Rescue Boards;
- Five or more qualified Surf Life Savers on Surf Skis;
- Two crewed Surf Boats;
- A rostered Club Lifesaving Patrol;
- A qualified Medical Doctor on site assisted by a team of SLSA qualified first aiders assisted, and Council Lifeguards;
- Full access to the Club and Council First Aid Rooms.
In addition, on standby will be, as always, the resources of our three neighbouring Bate Bay Surf Life Saving Club Clubs, and Surf Life Saving Sydney and NSW, Surf Life Saving Duty Officers, Police, and Ambulance.
We will continue working closely with Surf Life Saving, Sutherland and relevant authorities, and will share further event updates if required.
We look forward to conducting a safe, successful and enjoyable event for all.
For further information please contact Cronulla SLSC at admin@cronullasurfclub.com.
On-line entries - NOW OPEN
The 2026 2.3 km Shark Island Swim
will once again have an Elite Wave
If entering the Elite Wave, you must be able to swim the 2.3 km distance in under 34 minutes for males and under 35 minutes for females. Swim organisers will contact all Elite Wave registered swimmers prior to the event for proof of ability to swim the distance in under the stated times. Elite Wave registration can be found in the 'Select your Event' section when registering.
On-line entries close 4.00 pm
Saturday 21st February 2026
There will be no late registrations available
on race day.
Follow the link to our Facebook page for updates and information on the Sydney Airport Shark Island Swim.
MINIMUM AGE EACH SWIM:
Minimum age for the 1 km swim is 10 years old.
Minimum age for the 2.3 km swim is 13 years old.
START TIMES, AGE GROUPS & START WAVES:
PULSE PROPERTY - CRONULLA BEACH 1 KM SWIM
8.30 am start
1st wave: 10-39 years old
2nd wave: 40 years old and over
Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Overall Male and Female Swimmers
Sydney Airport - CRONULLA SHARK ISLAND 2.3 KM SWIM
10.00 am start
1st wave: Elite
2nd wave: 13-29 years old
3rd wave: 30-39 years old
4th wave: 40-49 years old
5th wave: 50-59 years old
6th wave: 60 years old and over
2.3 KM SWIM AGE DIVISIONS
Elite group: Eligible for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Outright placing, these
swimmers will be awarded prize money and Trophies only.
No age group prizes can be won by elite swimmers.
Age Groups:
13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44,
45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 + over
1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female Placegetters receive Prizes
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL RACE INFORMATION:
Please see PDF attachment for Important Additional Race Information for the Shark Island Swim.
SWIMSUITS:
Please see PDF attachment for Swimsuit Regulations for the Shark Island Swim.
PROTESTS AND APPEALS:
Please see PDF attachment for Protests and Appeals for the Shark Island Swim.
SAFETY:
There will be inflatable rescue boats, jet skis and board paddlers patrolling the course. Each swimmer is responsible for his or her own physical condition and enters this event at their own personal risk. Any swimmer who is still in the water after 90 minutes will be asked to default and will be transported to shore.
A swimmer deemed incapable of completing the course may be brought to shore at any time at the absolute discretion of the Water Safety Manager.
DISABLED ASSISTANCE:
Disabled assistance is available for entry/exit of water for both swims. Please request this assistance when signing in on the day.
FINISH:
Underneath the finish arch on Cronulla Beach.
PRESENTATION:
Presentations for both the 1km and 2.3km swims will be held after the finish of the 2.3km swim in the Cronulla Surf Club Ballroom around 12.30 - 12.45 pm.
ENQUIRIES:
Please contact Cronulla SLSC on 9523 5300 or fill out the contact form on the Enquiries page.
