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About Splash for Cash

What is Splash for Cash?

Splash for Cash is a fun-filled family swimathon that raises money for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC). RIDBC is Australia’s largest educator of children with sensory impairment.

Simply by getting some sponsors and swimming some laps, you’ll have fun and be keeping fit. You’ll also be helping deaf and blind children across Australia.

This year marks the 26th RIDBC Splash for Cash swimathon. The event will be held on Saturday 28 March 2009 at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Homebush. You can also choose to ‘Splash Out’ by swimming on an alternative day and at a different location if needed – just let us know. Or check out the ‘Splash Out’ location page – there might be one near you.

All funds raised from this year’s Splash for Cash swimathon will go to the RIDBC Teleschool. RIDBC Teleschool has pioneered the way to deliver education programs to children living in regional and remote areas of Australia. Using of the latest communications technology, RIDBC Teleschool links deaf children and blind children with RIDBC’s highly specialised staff in Sydney. In doing so they are showing that even with disability services, technology can be used to overcome distance – no matter how remote.

• The history of Splash for Cash
• When and where is it?
• How does it work?
• What happens on the day?
• What are the rules?
• What happens after the swim?

The history of Splash for Cash

Splash for Cash in one of Australia’s longest running fundraising events — 2009 will be the 26th Splash for Cash!

Formed as part of the relationship between Rotaract and the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC), the Rotaract Splash for Cash was first held in1984, at Lane Cove swimming pool and was conducted by Rotaract Sydney District 968. With just 40 swimmers the event raised nearly $10,000 with RIDBC’s current CEO, John Berryman and well-known Australian long distance swimmer, the late Des Renford amongst the line up for the starting blocks.

From its humble beginnings Splash for Cash has grown significantly and now has over 200 participants, including some who ‘Splash Out’ at various alternative locations across Australia. Many ambassadors have supported Splash for Cash over the years, including various TV, sporting and radio personalities, such as Liesel Jones, Sami Lukis, Luke Jacobz and RIDBC ambassador Tara Moss.

Over the past 26 years, Splash for Cash has raised over $550,000 for RIDBC which has made a huge difference to the lives of children with sensory impairment.

When and where is it?

The 2009 Splash for Cash swimathon takes place from 8.00am to 3.00pm on Saturday 28 March 2009, at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Homebush Bay.

Click here for information on how to get to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

If you are unable to make it to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, there are various ‘Splash Out’ events that you can attend. You may also create your own ‘Splash Out’ event.

Click here for information about the ‘Splash Out’ events.

How does it work?

Register with Splash for Cash a team or as a swimmer, encourage sponsorship from friends and family, then join in the fun of the day at either venue to swim as much you want. You can participate as an individual swimmer, as part of a team, or both!

Individual swimmer categories

Individual Junior — for swimmers under 17 years of age; and
Individual Open — all other ages.

Swimmers must raise at least $500 in sponsorship to be eligible for major prizes.

Team categories

Team Family - for members of an immediate family;
Team Rotary/Rotaract - for members of a Rotary or Rotaract club; and
Team Organisation - for members of a club, business, or any other group not covered by the other two team categories.

Prizes

There will be prizes awarded to the highest fundraiser in each category.

Click here to view the prizes

What happens on the day?

When you arrive at the event on the day, check in at the registration desk (hand in your sponsor book(s), if you have any), pick up a lap count sheet and dive in! Swim 1 lap or 100 — a volunteer lap recorder will keep count for you. After you have completed your swim, towel off and bring your lap count sheet back to the registration desk, where your laps will be recorded.

NB: All online sponsorships are for fixed amounts and not determined on a per lap basis. Those swimmers gaining online sponsorship will not have sponsor books unless they’ve specifically requested them. Your lap count sheet can therefore be your official personal record to let your online sponsors know that you completed your goal.

What are the rules?

A completed lap is recorded after touching the pad at the end of the 50m lane. Your swim must be completed in one attempt. You may stop, rest, eat or drink, but your waist must remain in the water. You may only leave the pool for toilet facilities. All swimming at the official venue will cease at 3pm.

Each lap is counted by an official volunteer lap counter who will record your total number of laps onto a lap count sheet. Hand your sheet to the officials after the swim to receive your certificate and be eligible for prizes.

Click here to download a lap count sheet

Swimmers will be allocated lanes on a first-come first-served basis.

What happens after the swim?

For those who registered online and whose sponsors supported you online, congratulations! There is no more for you to do except be proud that you have made a difference in the lives of children who are deaf or blind.

If you registered offline and/or used sponsor booklets to receive pledges of support, now is the time start collecting the money you raised. Use your certificate as proof of your swim but remember, money and booklets need to be returned by Friday 15 May 2009, to Splash for Cash, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, Private Bag 94, Parramatta NSW 2124, Australia

Any partly-used or unused sponsor books must be returned for auditing purposes. All swimmers who return their pledges by Friday 24 April 2009 go into the draw for an early bird prize. All money and sponsorship books must by returned by Friday 15 May 2009.

Please note that to be eligible for fundraising prizes, individuals must raise over $500 and teams over $1000 in total from sponsorships.

Thank you for participating. We hope you have a great time!

If you have any questions about Splash for Cash, check the frequently asked questions, or contact us!