Nearly 400 Canberrans started their morning by jumping into Lake Burley Griffin this morning. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
A record has been broken at the 8th Canberra Lifeline winter solstice swim in Lake Burley Griffin.
Nearly 400 Canberrans stripped off and spent anywhere between two and 10 minutes in the lake, all in support of the organisation.
Old Canberra Inn owner Ben Johnston says he is thrilled that so many people turned up to show their support and make a difference.
“The number of people that showed up was substantially greater than in previous years, which is great to see,” Ben says.
“I was honestly so impressed by how many people showed up to support such a great cause.”
The turnout is the biggest in the Canberra event’s history.
“We were at absolute capacity for the first time ever, which is just amazing.”
People from the ages of 18 to 80 spent the morning excitedly running into the water, all to raise awareness and funds for mental health.
Ben says the swim is the perfect way to experience a mental and physical refresh.
“It’s a great way for people to get a bit of that shock factor in the cold water. It kind of wakes you up a bit, physically and metaphorically.”
The campaign raises more than $50,000 a year, with all money going directly to Lifeline to support them in helping Canberrans manage their mental health struggles.
Ben says that while the air might have been cold, the energy was electric.
“It was such a nice environment; everyone was really excited to be there, and people were laughing and joking with each other.
“We were all there doing something a bit extreme for a cause we all need to think about.
“Everyone who gave up their morning to have a dip in a very cold lake for the sake of mental health awareness should be applauded.”
Despite a drizzle of rain in the morning, all participants were rewarded for their efforts with a barbecue breakfast.
“The rain held off just the right amount, so we all weren’t freezing, and thankfully, we managed to keep the barbecue going for long enough to give all the participants a decent breakfast.”
“It’s such a nice feeling being able to give back to the community in Canberra. Everything went exceptionally well, and it’s so great to be a part of it all.”
CEO for Lifeline Canberra Carrie Leeson says going for a swim in the coldest part of the year is a great way to highlight the importance of understanding mental health issues.
“People literally show their vulnerability by stripping down and running into the water and it really is a true symbol of what it means to take ownership of your own mental health,” Carrie says.
Each year, more than 1 million Australians make the call to Lifeline Australia to have a chat about their mental health.
Donations to keep up the support of Canberran’s dealing with mental health issues can be made through Lifeline.
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