Presented by
Ship to Shore
Open Water Swim · Cleveland Bay, Townsville
Sunday 19 July 2026
1.5 km · 3 km
Presented by Sealink · Hosted by TOWSA · Sanction Q7/26
On behalf of Masters Swimming Queensland, the Townsville Open Water Swimming Association (TOWSA) and the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club, welcome to the 2026 State Open Water Championships. We are excited to host an open water event for the masters swimming community, and we hope you enjoy the day. Thank you to Sealink for supporting the event.
The Sealink Ship to Shore caps off the 2026 MSQ State Championships and sits alongside the pool meet at Long Tan Memorial Pool earlier in the week. It is a separate entry, with its own registration on Race Results.
Swimmers board the Sealink ferry at the Breakwater Terminal and are counted as they enter the water from the vessel. The ferry runs out to a position 750 m off the Rockpool end of Strand Beach. From there, swimmers proceed to the in-water start line.
Both events start in separate waves. Each wave proceeds towards the beach and around a series of buoys, finishing at Strand Park Beach. IRBs and other craft provide water safety throughout the course.
The finish is an on-sand line at Strand Park Beach. Bags are taken from the ferry terminal to the finish so they are waiting for you. First aid is on-site at the finish.
Open to MSA members from entries open. Opens to non-MSA swimmers after the 2-week MSA window, or earlier once the 100 reserved MSA spaces are filled.
Age as at 31 December 2026. Minimum age 18 years on the day of competition. Medals awarded in 5-year age groups by gender.
MSA rule: 30 min per km. The 3 km must be completed within 1.5 hours of race start; the 1.5 km in approximately 45 to 60 minutes. All swimmers out of the water by 11:00 am.
The water temperature is measured within 30 minutes before the event starts. Wetsuits are permitted, but if you wear one you relinquish eligibility for event awards. If the water temperature is below 18°C, wetsuits are compulsory.
| Day | Low water | High water |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 18 July | 06:45 (1.19 m) 18:01 (1.15 m) |
12:01 (2.42 m) 00:22 (3.11 m) |
| Sun 19 July EVENT DAY |
07:50 (1.29 m) | 13:15 (2.28 m) |
Medals will be presented at the conclusion of the event for 1st, 2nd and 3rd female and male placegetters in each 5-year age group. Open to both MSQ and non-MSQ swimmers.
Powered craft and kayaks provide water safety throughout the course. Water safety and shore safety personnel are in communication by two-way radios.
A First Aid station is located at the finish line on Strand Park Beach. Any accident or injury should immediately be brought to the attention of the Event Director.
No devices aiding speed, endurance or buoyancy (except wetsuits) are permitted. No watches or jewellery worn during the swim. Fingernails and toenails are to be trimmed.
In an emergency, swimmers will be directed by water safety to leave the water and go to the muster point adjacent to the registration tent. If asked to evacuate, please do so immediately.
Deliberately obstructing or impeding other swimmers is prohibited and will result in disqualification. Exercise caution around marker buoys and when passing other swimmers.
Open water swimming has risks. All swimmers participate at their own risk. It is your responsibility to ensure you are physically prepared with appropriate open water training; a medical check before participating may be needed.