Swimmers are set to brave the chilly winter water temperatures of the Murray River this long weekend as part of Echuca Moama’s own ‘Big Freeze’ event.
Dozens of people are expected to take to the water at Moama Beach at 8am on Monday, June 13, to raise funds for Fight MND, a charity aiming to improve treatments and hopefully cure Motor Neurone Disease.
The swim is organised by social swimming group the Echuca Moama Barracudas, who take to the Murray River throughout the year, with local ultra man and Barracuda Luke Barlow the man behind the idea.
Claire O’Brien is one of the original members of the Barracudas. She took part in last year’s swim and will be taking to the water again on Monday.
“Last year Luke organised a few of us to have a dip in the river over the long weekend and make a donation to the Big Freeze,” Ms O’Brien said.
“Twenty five of us were there last year and it was great, so this year we thought we’d do it again. We have a fundraising page, and we are really trying to raise as much money as we can for a great cause.”
Ms O’Brien said the group was hoping to raise $1,000 for Fight MND at this year’s swim. O’Brien said people could donate directly to the Barracuda’s fundraising page or to Fight MND in general.
With more than two dozen swimmers last year, O’Brien said they were hoping to get similar numbers again on Monday. But she added she thinks they will exceed that number.
“I have a feeling we’ll get more,” she said.
“We’ve had more interest this year with word being spread about the event and people talking about it.”
O’Brien said the event was open to anyone — from people who want to swim, to those who just want to take a dip in the freezing river, with no need to register before the event.
“Anyone can come down and have a dip, you don’t have to actually swim any distance. It is open to anyone,” she said.
“We have lots of different abilities and fitness levels. Some of us swim upstream and back down, last year a group walked up to Moama Wharf and swam downstream. There is no distance that you have to cover.”
The Barracudas were formed about seven years ago, and the social group has grown to now includes about 40 members.
Monday won’t be the first time the Barracudas will take to the water for a great cause.
Alongside last year’s big freeze swim, the group also took part in the Starlight Super Swim, raising more than $12,000 for the Starlight Foundation.
The event will coincide with the Big Freeze held at the MCG on Monday, with the swim taking inspiration from the event.
“For us, it’s a great way to contribute to something,” Ms O’Brien said.
“It’s not the same as going into a bucket of ice, but it is still a challenge and it is still freezing.
“It’s motivation to get into the water and do something. But to be able to get in the water and raise money for other people makes it more meaningful.”
To donate, visit: https://hub.fightmnd.org.au/diy-big-freeze-8/barracudas-1