Sim's Swim - 54 km Upper Ord River Swim
Fremantle swimmer Simone Blaser has made history as the first person to swim the entire length of the Upper Ord River in Kununurra, Western Australia. The passionate swim coach, originally from South Africa, embarked on her journey from Lake Argyle Dam at 11pm, equipped with a night light, and completed the gruelling 54km swim to the Diversion Dam in 16 hours and 13 minutes. Along the way, she raised over $10,000 for the WA charity Swim for Refugees. Reflecting on her adventure, Blaser stated, “When you push your limit and step out of your comfort zone – that’s where you find the magic,” highlighting the breathtaking beauty of the experience amidst uncharted waters.
Simone's swimming journey is nothing short of inspiring. She has participated in various challenging events, including the Rottnest Channel Swim and the 24km Lake Zurich Marathon. In 2022, when the Port to Pub was canceled, she channeled her training into her own 25km ultra-marathon, completing the “Lizzie to Lefty” swim in an impressive 8 hours and 15 minutes. Her most remarkable feat to date is a 54km swim in Lake Kununurra, where she bravely encountered friendly feshwater crocodiles, all while maintaining an intense training regimen of up to 50km week. With this swim she won the prestigious "2024 Yudovin Award for Most Adventurous Swim - Marathon Swimmers Federation".
Swim for Refugees is dedicated to welcoming individuals seeking shelter and refuge in Perth, many of whom have never had the chance to learn to swim. The initiative not only teaches essential swimming skills but also fosters community involvement, allowing newcomers to embrace their new environment safely. Blaser, who works at Fremantle Centre and runs swim retreats through Swimwild Escape, emphasises the importance of these skills for a fear-free lifestyle.
Sim's Swim Documentary
Swim for Refugees
Raising more than $10,000
Simone is a proud supporter of Swim for Refugees, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching individuals from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds how to swim in Perth, Western Australia, since 2016. By providing essential swimming skills, we aim to empower these communities and promote safety and confidence in the water. Together, we can make a positive impact and help create a more inclusive environment for everyone