The team behind Sydney Harbour Splash has made the difficult decision to conclude the much-loved Australia Day swim after nine years of bringing the community together each January 26.

In a heartfelt message to swimmers and supporters, event director Andy Reid said the recent shark incident involving a young local had deeply affected many in the community, including himself.

“The recent tragedy has shaken our community,” Andy wrote. “As a father of three young children myself, this hit incredibly close to home. So close, in fact, that I have made the difficult decision to cease operations of the Sydney Harbour Splash. While this hasn’t been an easy choice, I know in my heart it is the right one for me.”

An Australia Day tradition in the water

Held each year on Australia Day, Sydney Harbour Splash became a joyful way for swimmers to mark the public holiday. While many celebrated with barbecues and beach gatherings, thousands chose to start the day in the water, swimming side by side with friends, family, and fellow ocean lovers.

It was a feel-good, active celebration of summer. Colourful caps dotted the water, spectators lined the shoreline, and the atmosphere carried that unmistakable energy of shared experience. For many swimmers, the event became a ritual, a meaningful way to welcome the day through movement, connection, and community.

Over time, Andy also showed leadership in thoughtfully evolving the tone of the event. Indigenous elements were incorporated into proceedings, including a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land and waters. In later years, finishers’ towels featured Indigenous-designed artwork, adding cultural depth and respect to what had become a signature keepsake of the swim.

Built on community and purpose

Across its nine-year journey, Sydney Harbour Splash became a fixture on the open water calendar, built on community spirit rather than commercial ambition.

Reflecting on the event’s ethos, Andy said, “We never ran this event for profit, no one in events really does. We did it for the love of the sport and to provide a great experience. The proof is in the towels; despite the massive expense, we insisted on providing them every year because we knew how much you loved them.”

The event also carried a deeply personal purpose. Andy’s commitment to supporting dementia research was driven by heartbreakingly watching his mother succumb to the disease. Through the swim, participants not only celebrated Australia Day together, but also contributed to raising awareness and funds for families facing similar journeys.

Andy paid tribute to the many individuals and organisations who helped bring the event to life each year, including volunteers, sponsors, charity partners, and the team at Woollahra Sailing Club, who played a key role in supporting the event’s delivery.

“To the swimmers, thank you for coming back year after year,” Andy wrote. “We certainly gave it everything we had.”

Winding down with care

Although the swim will not return, Andy confirmed the team is committed to handling the wind-down with the same integrity they brought to race day. Registered swimmers have been contacted directly regarding next steps, including merchandise distribution, partial refunds, and final charitable donations once expenses are settled.

A final reflection

In closing, Andy highlighted the story of 13-year-old Ella Martin, who had trained for her first 1km swim with her mum on January 26. Although the swim did not proceed, she completed her distance at Northbridge Harbour Pool and raised more than $2,500 for dementia research.

Her determination, he said, captured the spirit that defined Sydney Harbour Splash.

After nine years as a much-loved Australia Day tradition, the swim signs off with gratitude, pride, and a simple message to the wider swimming community: thank you for the support, and above all, swim safe.