National open swim competition to be held in the Kimberley

More than 300 swimmers from across Australia will descend on the remote Lake Argyle in Western Australia to take part in the First National Kimberley Lake Argyle Swim takes place on 1st May this year.

Supported by $10,000 funding through the Western Australian Government's Country Sport Enrichment Scheme, the event is expected will also stimulate the local economy and the Kimberley tourism industry

The event will see individuals, duos and teams take part in 10 or 20 kilometre swims. 

Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray announced the funding while visiting Lake Argyle on Friday, stating "we are in an enviable position here in Western Australia, that we are able to stage world-class events such as the Lake Argyle swim.

"The Lake Argyle Swim is a unique and hugely exciting event of which we should be extremely proud.

"It will bring hundreds of visitors to this outstanding part of our State, and with it some much needed economic activity."

Often described as 'the jewel of the Kimberley' Lake Argyle is 75 kilometres from Kununurra, and just 40 kilometres from the Northern Territory border, framed by the rugged landscape of Western Australia's north west.

It covers 980 kilometre² at normal water levels, and can increase to more than 40 times the size of Sydney Harbour when in flood.

The Country Sport Enrichment Scheme provides funding to deliver international, national or state sporting events or competitions in regional Western Australia, while also utilising elite athletes to promote the benefits of sport and physical activity.

All competitors will be subject to any relevant border restrictions at the time, and the event will adhere to all COVIDSafe event requirements.

Image: Action from the First National Kimberley Lake Argyle Swim in 2018. Credit: Horizon Power.