Today’s nude charity swim was a powerful symbol of awareness and support for mental health. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Hundreds of Canberrans got up at the crack of dawn this morning, ready to bare all at the ninth annual Ian Lindeman Memorial Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim.
Temperatures hung around -2 degrees Celsius.
The waters of Lake Burley Griffin were positively frigid, but that didn’t stop 420 cheeky locals gathering on Yarralumla Beach ahead of a daring dash into the cold.
Whether participants join the naked masses to hit their own spiritual reset or just for fun, the event keeps a conversation going around mental health and raises critical funds for Lifeline Canberra.
Plenty of laughs (and maybe a few swear words) rang out across the lake as the crowd ditched their towels and ran in.
The atmosphere was anything but chilly once participants left the water to huddle around fire pits back on shore, sipping hot coffees while they waited for the adrenaline to fade.
Long-time participant Jeremy Calero was first drawn to the event for its novelty, but it’s the sense of community that keeps him coming back.
“Getting nude with hundreds of other people in Australia’s capital city makes for quite the tale,” he said after finishing his fifth solstice swim.
“Everyone jokes about how awful the cold is, but it’s an awesome experience. There’s a really great connection between us all; people who have done it a few times help reassure newbies and keep everything lighthearted.
“We all have our own experiences with mental health. I’ve struggled with depression and know how crucial a service like Lifeline is, so it feels good to give back by fundraising for them.”
The Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim directly supports Lifeline Canberra’s 24/7 Crisis Support Service, helping local crisis support volunteers answer more calls and offer hope to people in need.
This year’s swim has so far raised about $75,000, a number expected to rise until 30 June. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Lifeline Canberra’s Sally McLean was thrilled to see everyone show up and break their own record once again.
“We had another full turnout this morning, which is absolutely brilliant,” she said.
“Everyone’s warming up around the fire now, all buzzing, sharing stories and laughing together.
“We’re just so grateful for the incredible humans who support us at this event every year. And it’s not just about the money, because coming together as a community like this is good for the soul and reminds people they aren’t alone.”
Ben Johnston, event chairperson and co-owner of Dickson Taphouse, warmly invited all participants to celebrate at the pub from 5 o’clock this afternoon.
“We’ll have some complimentary snacks and drinks as well as announcing and awarding the highest fundraiser for this year’s event,” he said.
“It’s a chance to swap stories and say, wow, we did that. Then we start the last fundraising phase, which is to tell all your mates that you actually did it and get them to donate more for Lifeline!”
Donations are still open and will be welcomed until 30 June: visit Winter Solstice Swim to contribute.
All funds raised directly support Lifeline Canberra and its 24/7 Crisis Support Service for people experiencing distress or at risk of suicide. If you are experiencing a crisis, call Lifeline Canberra on 13 11 14.
