One of the world’s largest swim events, the Cole Classic Ocean Swim, will be back for its 40th anniversary on 6 February, 2022.

Entries are now open for local, interstate and international swimmers of all ages and abilities to take on the 1km, 2km or 5km swims in this iconic event.

At 40 years, the Cole Classic is one of Australia’s longest-running ocean swim events – a fun and sometimes challenging swim, a highlight in the ocean swimming event calendar. Every year is different depending on ocean conditions.

“The swim attracts thousands of passionate swimmers into a breathtaking marine environment. It brings together the community with hundreds of local volunteers, and raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity,” said Event Director and Manly Life Saving veteran John ‘Thommo’ Thomson.

Owned by Manly Life Saving Club since 2020, after acquiring the event from Fairfax Events, the Cole Classic is not only a great big friendly event but a great fundraiser, with swimmers raising more than $265,000 in the past two years for charities such as the Leukaemia Foundation, Black Dog Institute, Dementia Australia, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation and Fara.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the first 4,000 entrants will receive a limited edition Cole Classic Truckers Cap and Gear Bag to go along with their swim cap. The pack is worth over $50.

“Manly Life Saving Club and its 300 volunteers are proud to deliver this international event,” said Thomson.

“It’s a great day for swimmers and spectators who enjoy the community atmosphere on the first Sunday in February at Australia’s Manly Beach.”

To learn more about the Cole Classic and enter, visit our event listing.