Almost a decade since Canberra’s first nude solstice swim, this passionate community remembers the man who started it all. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
On a frosty winter’s morning in 2017, five mates made a nude dash into the freezing waters of Lake Burley Griffin.
Led by Ian Lindeman, the bare band swam to refresh their spirits ahead of the new solar year, raising some cash for local charities in the process.
Nine years on, the Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim has more than earned its place on the calendar as Canberra’s cheekiest event.
But there’s more to this swim than just getting naked.
A whopping 400 people hit the water last year, raising more than $74,500 for Lifeline Canberra.
Chair of the event’s committee and one of its original supporters, Ben Johnston, is keen for the community to break its own attendance and fundraising records in 2025.
Ben met Ian after taking over the Old Canberra Inn, which was a favourite watering hole of the Solstice Swim founder.
Alongside raising money for Lifeline Canberra, Ben says the swim is a chance to hit a mental reset that washes your worries away.
“Ian was a key part of the pub’s social fabric and started something really special,” he says.
“I think it’s more important than ever to raise awareness and support for mental health.
“Everyone has their own reasons for joining the swim, whether they want to hit a mental reset or just raise money for a good cause. It’s pretty freeing to be part of something so wild, but you also have this safety net of being in such a like-minded crowd.”
Ian unfortunately passed away in 2019. His idea may have started from the bottom, but these days it attracts hundreds of participants.
Reverently known in full as the Ian Lindeman Memorial Winter Solstice Swim, the event gets bigger every time it runs.
Ian’s wife, Gwenda, says his family are immensely proud to see his legacy live on every time Canberrans brave the lake on solstice day.
“The swim has raised more than $250,000 over its lifetime, making a huge difference for Lifeline Canberra, which is exactly what Ian wanted to do,” she says.
“Seeing his idea bloom into something so great brings me joy.
“Pardon the pun, but people come out of the water absolutely over the moon. You don’t even see nakedness when you’re there really, it’s just a sea of people laughing and chatting, being brave and vulnerable together.”
All funds raised by the Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim directly support Lifeline Canberra’s 24/7 Crisis Support Service for people experiencing distress or at risk of suicide.
Lifeline Canberra’s CEO, Carrie-Ann Leeson, says the clinical service offers hope, connection, and life-changing support.
“Mental health impacts us all; no one is immune,” she says.
“Events like this one break down barriers through vulnerability, visibility, and community spirit, showing that courage comes in many forms.
“We lose a Canberran to suicide every week. These statistics are a heartbreaking reminder of how critical local, community-driven services like Lifeline Canberra are to saving lives.”
If you are experiencing a crisis, call Lifeline Canberra on 13 11 14.
The 2025 Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim will be held on Saturday, 21 June at Yarralumla Beach, corner of Alexandrina Drive and Hopetoun Circuit, Yarralumla. Check-in begins at 6:20 am. Be ready to hit the water at 7:12 am precisely!
To get involved, register online for $35. You must be registered prior to the event to enter – strictly no spectators allowed.
