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Collaroy local Andrew Ward founded Head Above Water after experiencing his own challenges with mental health. His mission? To unite the community and build mental fitness to reduce suicide across Australia. Read on to see how you can support the seventh 24-hour charity swim at Collaroy in March.
The Head Above Water 24-hour charity swim is back at Collaroy Rockpool on March 22–23. Every year, this much-loved family-friendly fundraiser unites The Beaches to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Andrew Ward, or “Wardy” as he’s affectionately known, has lived on The Beaches his whole life. It was his own mental health struggles, along with his wife’s cancer journey, that led him to discover his purpose. "After seeking treatment for my mental health, I attended a life-changing Tomorrow Man event at Avalon. After that event, I firmly believed that everyone should have access to similar workshops. With the mental health system being so hard to navigate, funding mental fitness workshops that promote early intervention is what is driving me. Too many people don’t have the network or resources like I did to get the help they need.”
Wardy’s community-focused initiative has raised over $760,000 since its launch in 2019. “Human beings are connected beings by nature and that's the way we operate. It’s a family-friendly event, which is what makes us so unique, and you don’t have to be a great swimmer. We see a whole mix of participants, from kids swimming their first laps to grandparents in their 80s who come back multiple times over the weekend,” says Wardy.
A Weekend of Connection and Wellness
Head Above Water runs from 9:00am on Saturday, March 22 to 9:00am on Sunday, March 23, and those registered can swim at their own pace. Unlike traditional swimming competitions, it’s a welcoming experience for all ages and abilities with an emphasis on community rather than competition.
However, if you are feeling a little competitive, there is a relay event (10 swimmers x 50m each) at 9:15am on the Sunday morning. So grab your mates and sign up. “We don’t take things too seriously. It’s about wellness, connection and supporting one another,” says Andrew.
And if you do want to push your limits, there are endurance swimmers participating, such as Matty Harris, who plans to complete a full 42km swim marathon over the 24-hour period. If you’re not in Sydney over the weekend, you can still take part by registering as a remote swimmer.
A range of wellness activities are also on offer, including breathwork and ice bath sessions led by Narraprana, Meditation HQ and Breathwork HQ. There’ll be massages for swimmers provided by Spinal Symmetry, a local osteopathy clinic, as well as a BBQ with gold coin donations supporting the cause.
Mental health advocate, Steve Gamble from Anchor Health, will also be available to chat to anyone who needs support. “This is not a one-hour event. You’re with your community, sharing an experience and contributing to something bigger than yourself. You can volunteer, donate to the cake stall, take part in a breathwork or meditation session or walk your laps in the pool,” says Wardy.
Since 2019, Head Above Water has funded 1,414 programs and workshops in schools, sports clubs and community groups, reaching over 28,731 men, women, and children. Every dollar raised goes toward mental fitness and suicide prevention programs.
“Our goal is to create sustainable, mentally fit communities along The Beaches and beyond. The funds we raise go directly to our partners, who provide vital programs and workshops that make a real impact.”
Grab your goggles, rally your friends and family, and be a part of something special at the 2025 Head Above Water 24-Hour Swim. For more information, to register, donate or volunteer, visit: www.headabovewater.com.au.
“Human beings are connected beings by nature and that's the way we operate. It’s a family-friendly event, which is what makes us so unique, and you don’t have to be a great swimmer.”
ANDREW WARD, HEAD ABOVE WATER
Pittwater House Dives In!
The Pittwater House school community will dive into Head Above Water again this year. “Each year, our prefect team leads the charge, rallying students, staff and parents to swim for a cause that truly matters. In 2024, our team of 30 participants swam an incredible 500 laps and raised nearly $3,000!” says Pittwater House Marketing Director, Leanne Munro.
This initiative is particularly special to the school as it was founded by Pittwater House alumnus Andrew Ward (Class of 1989). “Andrew’s mission to spark open conversations about mental wellbeing aligns with our commitment to fostering resilience in young people.”
How Can You Get Involved?
Swim
Sign up to swim for as little or as long as you like. You can participate individually or as part of a team.
Volunteer
Help with event set-up, registrations or assist swimmers throughout the 24 hours.
Donate
Contribute to the cause through direct donations or by supporting fundraising efforts like the BBQ and cake stall.
Remote Swim
Can’t make it to Collaroy? You can still be part of the movement by participating in a remote swim, even if you’re overseas.
