Location
Perth to Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Date
February 1, 1998
Distance
19.7 km
About This Swim
One of Australia's most iconic ocean swims, James has completed this challenging 19.7km open water swim multiple times between 1998 and 2003, demonstrating consistency and endurance in his home waters of Western Australia.
The Perth to Rottnest Island swim is one of Australia's most challenging ocean swims, covering 19.7 kilometers of open water from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island. James Pittar completed this swim multiple times (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003), becoming the first blind person to successfully complete this iconic Australian swim.
This swim presents unique challenges including strong currents, varying water temperatures, and the need for precise navigation across open ocean. For a blind swimmer, the achievement is even more remarkable, requiring complete trust in support crew and exceptional swimming ability.