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With your support, thats how.
The LifeSaving Energy Big Swim series has been running since Feb. 2008. The swims are designed to raise money for local community groups. Solar panels and wind turbines have been put on surf clubs, churches, Rural Fire Stations and primary schools.The swims are not races, but challenge entrants to swim an endurance event through the beautiful country-side of SE NSW. The swim series will continue for as long as we have swimmers to compete in them. We have started a swim series in Canberra and Queanbyan, with information below.
For information about LifeSaving Energy surf club installations, go to the "Surf Clubs" section of "Clean Campaigns" in the menu bar. Photos of all the Big Swims can be seen at the "Gallery with Comments" page in the "Cool Stuff" section on the menu bar.
If you wish to support the swims in any way, register your interest below, or contact Matthew Nott at matthewnottortho@yahoo.com.au
Tne next LifeSaving Energy Big Swims will be held in the Brogo Dam and Bermagui River. Dates are yet to be confirmed.
Join Clean Energy for Eternity's LifeSaving Energy Swim for Solar this summer. Keep cool while you do your bit for climate change! Start a renewable energy revolution in your lunchbreak!
The Swim for Solar series was launched by Dr Mike Kelly (Member for Eden-Monaro), Sue Wareham (Medical Association fo the Prevention of War), Shane Rattenbury (Greens MLA, ACT Assembly) on Friday 27th November at Queanbeyan Pool, 121 Crawford St, Queanbeyan (6297 1907).
Registration for the Swim for Solar series costs only $20 and swimmers are asked to gather external sponsorship. All funds will go to installing 1.5-2kW grid-interactive solar panels at the pool and carrying out an energy audit to see where savings can be made. Any excess funds will go towards renewable energy installations for our emergency services crews.
You can register and download sponsorship forms online
Swim for Solar IMG Registration
https://www.clubsonline.com.au/eventsregform/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_event_detail&EventID=3440&orgid=4410
Swim for Solar Sponsorship with Everyday Hero
http://everydayhero.com.au/event/lifesaving_energy_swim_for_solar
Alternately, collect hard copy forms from the Environment Centre, next to the National Museum (corner of Lennox Crossing and Lawson Crescent) in Acton and post to CEFE at PO Box 4177, Kingston ACT 2604.
 - The start
 - Kate Greenwood, organiser and champion swimmer
Snowy Mountains Clean Energy for Eternity conducted a successful Life Saving
Energy Big Swim Series once again, as a fund raiser for solar panels for
Jindabyne RFS.
Acacia Rose Convenor of the Snowy Mountains Chapter of Clean Energy
for Eternity said “the strong support for the CEFE Life Saving Energy Swim
Series means that we are closer to completing the solar panels project for the
Jindabyne RFS.”
“This year 20 swimmers including two relay teams completed the 7.2 km swim
from Kalkite along the length of Lake Jindabyne to the Strzelecki statue in
Banjo Paterson Park supported by a contingent of kayakers, a local GP and the
SES.”
“Swimmers came from as far away as Christchurch NZ and Bathurst to enjoy
swimming in Lake Jindabyne.’
“The weather was cloudy and cool however the lake was still warm at the
surface and dead calm creating almost perfect conditions for the swim.’
“Amongst the fund raising swimmers was Alina Plescan from Thredbo, a former
ocean swimmer who completed three laps of the lake swimming almost 22 kms
in increasingly cold conditions.”
“For the second year, Alina has contributed her superb skills to the Life Saving
Energy Swim Series also being the fastest woman to complete the first 7.2 km
of the swim.”
Following the Big Swim the Inaugural Strzelecki Dash attracted Member for
Monaro and Minister for Emergency Services Steve Whan and, Member for
Eden-Monaro Dr Mike Kelly along with 18 local swimmers.
Steve Whan put in an impressive performance and won the Strzelecki Dash
setting the tempo for future swims.
“However, star of the Strzelecki was local swimmer and former Commonwealth
Games representative, Noeline Dahlen-Maclean who, at almost 80 years of
age, raised funds for Riding for the Disabled.”
Ms Rose said “Noeline’s inspiring efforts topped off a great day and we
welcome all swimmers to be similarly encouraged to enter the Life Saving
Energy Swim Series.”
“Clean Energy for Eternity is committed to local solutions to climate change
and aims to retrofit all public buildings with solar energy, solar hot water and
non-toxic insulation to meet the Nott Target of 50:50 by 2020, or 50%
reduction in energy consumption and 50% renewable energy by 2020.”
“To achieve the Nott Target Snowy Mountains Clean Energy for Eternity is
working closely with the Snowy River Shire Council Green Team and State
Government agencies as well as our local members.”
“The Sustainable Living Expo on the following day attracted key information
stands and suppliers for the dozens of people attending the Flowing Festival
and Dragon Boat challenges.”
“We trust that the information and suppliers of, low energy intensity products,
energy saving devices, solar hot water, fresh regional produce and Green Loans
for example, makes it easier for people to live a more comfortable and less
energy expensive life.”
Ms Rose said “Snowy Mountains CEFE would like to thank its major sponsors,
The Banjo Paterson Inn, 2020 Financial Solutions, The Westpac Bank, Serge’s
Cafe, Snow Print Bookshop and Sacred Ride as well as the many local
businesses and individuals who have sponsored the swims and made it
possible to place solar panels on the Jindabyne RFS Shed.”
For interviews, please contact CLEAN ENERGY FOR ETERNITY
Kate Greenwood 0429 645 714
or
Acacia Rose on 0402 298 821
For further information on CEFE see our website at www.cleanenergyforternity.net.au
On Sunday 6/12/09 10 swimmers braved the 7 km swim from Blackfellers Lake to Mogareeka in the Bega River to raise money for solar panels for the Tathra Rural Fire Station. Two Dragon Boats (ZEN and Saphire Water Dragons) and a surf boat, along with about 20 kayaks and canoes, got us across the line.
Conditions were good for the swim. The water was warm, as was the day, although a stiff NorthEaster generated a very difficult chop for the last 2km of the swim.
There was a lot of community support for the swim, and I would like to thank our major sponsor Country Energy. Pyramid Power and the Velocity Gym in Bega were also very generous with their support.
The target is to raise enough money to get a 3 kWatt system of solar panels onto the roof of the Tathra Rural Fire Station, and I think we are getting close. If anyone would like to donate money to the RFS panels for Tathra, please contact me or visit the www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au website.
The solar panels will make about $2000 each year for the Fire Station, and the station is happy to donate all that money towards ongoing RFS solar panels on other fire sheds. There are 200 RFS stations in SE NSW, and we can get them all set up with solar panels by 2020.
The next LifeSaving Energy Big Swim will be held on 13/2/09 in Lake Jindabyne. Again, this will be a 7 km swim to raise money for solar panels for one of the RFS stations in Jindabyne.
Matthew Nott
 - The start of the second annual Narooma LifeSaving Energy Big Swim
On 5/4/09, the second annual Narooma LifeSaving Energy Big Swim was held in near perfect conditions in the Wagonga Inlet with a strong outgoing tide. Money was raised for energy efficient lighting for the Narooma surf club and for a cycleway in Narooma. Once again, the Narooma surf club hosted a very successful event. Competitors swam the 2km distance from the Narooma Bridge to Little Bar Beach in the beautiful turquoise waters that Narooma is famous for.
 - A couple of stalwart 7 km swimmers talking to the Batemans Bay Post
A small group of brave swimmers swam the 7 km distance from the Moruya Heads to Moruya town to raise money for renewable energy for the Moruya and Broulee surf clubs. The Broulee surf club is about to be the sixth surf club in SE NSW to be set up with renewable energy.
Grassroots organisation Clean Energy for Eternity is conducting ‘Life Saving Energy’ swim series to raise funds for solar panels and wind energy installations for the RFS. Organiser Dr Matthew Nott says that the funds raised for the Jindabyne BIG SWIM on 22 February will go directly towards purchasing 2 kw solar panels for the Jindabyne Rural Fire Service. “This is taking climate change to the coal face with practical solutions that will cut energy consumption and at the same time earn green dollars for the Jindabyne RFS.” “Combined with a national gross feed in tariff for solar energy and all renewable energy sources, 2 kw solar panels will earn the Jindabyne RFS about $1,000 p.a. for the local brigade and assist more sheds across the region to fit out with solar power.” Organiser of the 22 February Jindabyne Big Swim and Sustainable Households Expo at Jindabyne’s Banjo Paterson Park Acacia Rose says that practical action is the best solution to climate change and rolling out renewable energy will take the pressure off the grid. “We welcome swimmers or teams to enter the 7 kilometre Big Swim from Kalkite to Banjo Paterson Park as well as the Little Swims of 100 m and 400 m for Nippers and all other swimmers.” “Not everyone can make the climate change gathering in Canberra for the opening of Parliament however everyone can support a swimmer and donate directly into the RFS special bank account that will enable them to fit out the Jindabyne Shed with solar panels.” “We also invite exhibitors for the Sustainable House Expo supported by the Snowy River Shire Council so people can see exactly how they can make their homes more energy efficient, cool in summer and warm in winter, cut their energy consumption and access government grants for solar panels, solar hot water heating etc.” “Snowy River Shire Council is co-organiser of the Sustainable House Expo.” “The Council has signed a 50:50 by 20:20 target, that is, 50% cut in energy consumption and 50% renewable energy by 2020 and their practical involvement in assisting households is invaluable and welcome.” “We hope to have all Councils across Eden-Monaro sign onto the target with Federal Member Dr Mike Kelly also supporting the target.”
“Mike Kelly will swim on the day and is rallying support for his swim from Members of Parliament and other colleagues in Canberra to donate to the Jindabyne RFS solar panels.” Dr Matthew Nott said “we hope to make the Life Saving Swim series a national campaign to raise funds for solar panels for all RFS / CFS sheds and also continue the swims for renewable energy for Surf Life Saving Clubs around the country.” “These people are at the coal face dealing with climate change on a daily basis and deserve our support.”  - Acacia Rose, organiser of the Jindy Bir Swim
Thirty-two (32) swimmers took part in a marathon 7km Big Swim across Lake Jindabyne last Sunday for Clean Energy for Eternity’s LifeSaving Energy Project. This year’s event raised money for the Jindabyne Bush Fire Brigade to install a renewable energy system on the roof.
Numbers in the water were boosted by an energetic Korean Triathlete team and visitors from Canberra. Alina from Thredbo did a great swim, first woman in and only 100 metres behind the elite athletes. Alina went on to win the 400 metres in blistering style.
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly was awarded the inaugural Scenic lake swim prize with a spectacular performance demonstrating true determination and commitment.
Wonderful presence from the local Nippers who all completed the 100 m open water swim and all received a lucky dip prize and Sun Zapped Lipball from Mike’s wife, Shelly Sakker.
Remarkably, one swimmer, Jenny Edwards from Canberra, already has ~$1100 pledged in donations and sponsorship so far. Special thanks go to Sacred Ride from Jindabyne as major sponsors for this Big Swim.
Snowy River Shire Council and CEFE brought together exhibitors of sustainable living products and services in a Sustainable House Expo, held in conjunction with the Flowing Festival on the shores of Lake Jindabyne at Banjo Paterson Park.
 - The Brogo Dam. The water level on Sunday 8/2/09 will be a little lower than this!
The Brogo swim on 8/2 is looking like being a big event. There has been a terrific community response to the swim, which is raising money for solar panels for the St Johns Church in Bega.
We have had strong support from several sponsors, including our major sponsor, Country Energy. Thanks also to Sports Power and Pyramid Power for their generous support, and also to Design Post printers and Watkins 3D Paint who are always keen to help.
“Brogo Canoes” have donated some 2 and 3 seater canoes for the event, so anyone interested in coming for a paddle should register their interest at www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au. We are hoping to get as many swimmers and paddlers on the water as possible, so all are welcome. If you have your own canoe or kayak, bring it along. Entry fee is by donation. The swim will start at 830 am, but get there at 730 am. Directions will be marked by CEFE washing machines from the highway.
We have sold a lot of raffle tickets, and the St Johns Church congregation has been out in force selling tickets and holding cake stalls. The raffle prizes include an electric powered mountain bike worth $1500, and an almost new Victa lawnmower worth $700. A couple of extra prizes have been added. Sports Power has donated a Billiard table worth over $800, and Peter Otton has donated one of his beautiful prints. All those who have bought tickets so far will be eligible for all four prizes, and more prizes may be added to the raffle as time goes on. The raffle will be drawn on the June long weekend at the Bega River LifeSaving Energy Big Swim.
At this stage, over $7000 has been raised for the solar panels for St Johns Church. That puts us well over the half way mark, but there is still a long way to go. Finding $12 500 from the local community is a big assignment, but it has been inspiring to see so many people involved in raising the money. I am confident that we will get there. It is community spirit that makes the Bega Valley such a terrific place to live.
To my knowledge, this is the first community fundraising effort for solar panels for a place of worship in Australia, but I'm sure it won't be the last.
Matthew Nott
 - The St Johns crew selling raffle tickets at the Tathra Newsagents
As of 25/2/09, CEFE and St Johns Church have managed to raise $2000 for the solar panel installation at St Johns Church in Bega. The electric powered mountaind bike is making raffle tickets easy to sell, and a cake stall at the Tathra Newsagents on 25/2/09 made over $500. We still have $10 000 to go with only 2 weeks before the swim. It always seems like a daunting prospect at this stage, but if it was easy, every church would have solar panels on its roof.
 - Rev Chris Short and Matthew Nott prepare for the big event, each in their individual way.
by Steve Strevens Bega District News
6/02/2009 9:03:00 AMIT COULD possibly be the only time this has happened.
On Sunday, St John’s Anglican Church will conduct its morning service at Brogo Dam while swimmers and canoeists conduct a fundraising event in the water.
Named the Country Energy Lifesaving Energy Brogo Dam Big Swim, it is the brainchild of Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) and part of a series of swims designed to raise money for wind turbines and solar panels for surf clubs, fire stations, and now a church.
This swim is for the installation of a 2kW system of photovoltaic cells at the church which will help towards the shire’s target of 50/50 by 2020.
The church is a popular venue for community activities, having excellent facilities of space, quality acoustics and catering facilities.
However, its old-style church and hall have large open areas and high roofs, meaning high costs for lighting, heating and cooling.
The production of clean energy through solar panels will reduce the carbon emissions and costs.
Half of the $25,000 total cost will be from CEFE’s energetic and innovative fundraising efforts with the other half coming from the Federal Government rebate for qualifying non-profit community groups.
As part of the eligibility requirement for a grant, St John’s will provide education concerning solar energy technology to school children and community groups.
According to the Reverend Chris Short, the solar panels will be “a significant step in the parish’s program to reduce our carbon footprint and to share in the church’s mission to care for God’s creation”.
“Matthew Nott and CEFE are helping with this as their birthday present to us in our 150th year,” he said.
“We are very appreciative of what they are doing and it is really exciting to do something with the community in this way as the church has to exist as part of the community.”
Mr Nott said CEFE was always looking to engage with different sections of the community.
“We are willing to help any organisation that is keen on renewable energy,” he said.
“And Rev Short has been extremely supportive since CEFE began.”
It is believed that St John’s may be the first church in the Diocese and possibly in Australia to install solar panels as a result of community effort.
Mr Nott said he would love to see a mosque and a synagogue become part of the religious places that had renewable energy.
“No matter what people’s race or religion and no matter whether they are rich or poor, live in the city or country, climate change will affect us all,” he said.
With a large number already registered, swimmers and canoeists are encouraged to join in on Sunday with onlookers invited to join the congregation in a service of worship at 9.30am at the boat ramp.
In a generous donation, canoes will be available to use at no cost, courtesy of Brogo Wilderness canoes.
Two 10-seater buses will leave from St John’s at 8.40am, but bookings are preferred on 6492 5555.
Rev Short said the service would be held in a “shady place near the boat ramp with flat rocks that can be used for seating”.
Rev Short advised people to either take a cushion or a folding chair, but said drinks and morning tea will be provided for swimmers, visitors and parishioners.
Anyone wishing to support the project may send their sponsorship or donation to Anglican Parish of Bega - Big Swim, PO Box 50, Bega, 2550, or contribute on the day.
On 8/2/09, 15 swimmers, 20 canoes, and a surf boat travelled the 6 km out and back course on the Brogo Dam near Bega. The water was warm, the air temp was over 40 degrees, and the dam level was low. So far we have managed to raise over $9000 for the solar panels for the roof os the St Johns Church in Bega. We have another $3000 to go, and I am sure we will get there with a little more work.
The next Big Swim will be Jindabyne on 22/2/09.
1st Prize Electric Mountain Bike donated by CEFE Pauline Galea, Penrith
2nd Prize Pool Table donated by Sports Power Betty Gray, Bermagui
3rd Prize Victa Lawn Mower Sylvia Wall, Jindabyne
4th Prize Peter Otton Print Geoff Deacon, Bega
5th Prize 1 night at Fernmark Inn, Brogo Jennifer Stevenson, Jindabyne
 - Prue Kelly with electric bike winners Pauline and Joe Galea from Penrith, Matthew Nott and Jake from Tathra Beach and Bike
 - St Johns Church looking magnificent with solar panels
 - Rev Gail Tabor and Bishop George Browning (retired) officially launch the panels on 26/9/09.
On 27/7/09 2 kw solar panels were installed on the roof of the St Johns church in Bega. The installation will reduce the churches electricity bill by about $1800 per year, after the introduction of the NSW feed-in-tariff on 1/1/10
The LifeSaving Energy Big swim series for 2008 was a huge success. Four swims were held, each of 7km, and a total of $60000 was made. With the support of Bega Valley and Eurobodalla councils (dollar for dollar funding with community money for renewable energy for surf clubs) we will have 6 surf clubs set up with renewable energy, and wind turbines on 2 schools. Whilst this may not do a huge amount to reduce emissions on its own, it is certainly changing attitudes. The communities of SE NSW have strongly supported this campaign, and people have enjoyed doing something so positive about climate change.
The LifeSaving Energy Big Swim series will run again next year. We again plan to hold the Jindabyne, Narooma, Moruya River and Bega River Big Swims. The money made in next years swims will probably be directed towards our community owned solar farms.
We plan a couple of extra swims, depending on enthusiasm. There will be a 7km swim in the Brogo Dam to raise money for the Anglican Church in Bega. We also plan a swim from Merimbula wharf to the Pambula surf club to raise money for a wind turbine for the Pambula surf club.
All going well, we might finish off the 2009 season with a swim in Lake Burley Griffin to raise money for solar panels for The Lodge. That event will depend on generating some enthusiasm in Canberra.
Matthew Nott
Photos of all the 2008 swims can be seen in the Gallery section.
 - Go Dave Corbett
The last race in the current LifeSaving Energy Big Swim series was held in the Bega River on Sunday 8/6/08. It was cold and overcast, and was certainly the toughest event in the series. The 7 km swim was completed by all 8 entrants, and nearly $8000 was made for a wind turbine for the Tathra primary school. We have another $2000 to go.
The swimmers were accompanied by Kayakers, surf boats from Tathra and Pambula surf clubs, and Dragon Boats from Zen and Saphire Coast.... As always we had huge support from the Tathra surf club.
Many thanks to Drs Gabe Khouri and Duncan MacKinnon who were on hand for the for the kiss of life. Thanks also to all those that supported this event. Tathra Beach and Bike donated an electric bike for raffle. It was drawn last month and won by a woman from Canberra. Pyramid Power have donated a solar hot water service, and we will continue to raffle that great prize until the end of the month.Thanks to Tathra Pharmacy, Toyota in Bega, and Tathra Beach Holiday Park....
Local artists helped us to raise over $2000 at an art auction at the Tathra Community Hall last April.
Thanks mostly to the literally thousands of people who donated small and large amounts to get a wind turbine onto the roof of the Tathra primary school. We are almost there.
Matthew Nott
 - Click here to go to Moruya Swim Gallery
Just swimmingly, that’s how organisers described Saturday’s Moruya River Swim and Paddle, a fundraising event to install renewable energy at Moruya and Broulee Surfers Surf Life Saving Clubs.
“The water might have been cold but the community effort was not. It was red hot. We had higher than expected participation with over 120 entrants, 16 teams and very generous sponsorship of nearly $12000 (and rising) – it really was a terrific community activity” said Dr Tim Shepherd of Moruya Surf Life Saving Club.
Some particularly hardy swimmers, led by Clean Energy for Eternity’s founder Matthew Nott, started at 8.20 am at the Moruya River mouth and swam the whole 6.8km to the town wharf. Sascha Saharov of Mossy Point fairly skimmed along completing the tide assisted course in 1 hour 28 minutes.
A dragon boat, two surf boats, a canoe paddled by a bride and bridesmaid, a surf ski piloted by a dog along with some reasonably normal paddlers began the 1.5km paddle from the Silo at 9.30am. Pace setters included Dennis Pont in his spider infested kayak, Karen and Tony Hackett in their double kayak and Chris Nicholson on his board.
The main swim started at 10am with Guy Tresize leading the way to the town wharf.
Entrants were warmed with hot drinks and food from Rotary once they crossed the line while MC Greg Malavey kept the crowd of spectators entertained with his gentle bagging of the better known participants, referring at one stage to a local doctor’s family as a “herd of wet shepherds”.
The Thomas Family Awesome Foursome won the prize for the team with the most sponsorship with Gordon Hughes and Ali Simmons collecting the individual awards. Lucky draw participation prizes went to Ann Herbert, Anna Simmons, Combined Elements and Michael Overend.
“Our community showed that it cares about climate change” said Gabi Harding of Clean Energy for Eternity which joined the surf clubs in organizing the event. . “Our aim is to install renewable energy in all surf clubs in the Shire and send an important message to the wider community about the need to address climate change. The Federal Government and the Eurobodalla Shire have promised funding assistance but it all depends on solid community support and Saturday showed that we’ve got it.”
The organisers are hoping that late sponsorship donations will augment the funds raised to the target of $15000. Gabi Harding can be contacted on ph 44744318 for sponsorship details.
Major sponsors for the event included: Dallas Smart, Moruya Mowers and Chainsaws, Whistler Radiology, Ian Russell Toyota, All Things Garden, Moruya Gallery and Gifts, Vulcan Street Pharmacy, Ballards Pharmacy, Adelaide Hotel, Air Raid Hotel, Monarch Hotel, Mordek, Waterfront Hotel, Marie McNeil, Broulee Supermarket, Queen Street Medical Centre, Les Roberts-Thomson, Batemans Bay Carwash, Camerons Timber and Hardware, Rick and Ros Rossiter, Batemans Bay First National Bank, Husband Plumbing, & Catalina Country club
Major supporters included: Rotary, St John Ambulance, Moruya River Boat Shed, Marshalls Bus Company, Bay Post/Moruya Examiner, Rex Airlines, 2EC/Power FM, ABC South East radio, Southlands Fruit and Vegetables, Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens & Tomakin General Store.
 - Start of the 7km Narooma LifeSaving Energy Big Swim (photo by Lewis Nott)
On Sunday 20/4/08, the Narooma LifeSaving Big Swim was held in cool conditions on the Wagonga Inlet, with 7 and 2km swims. About 100 swimmers competed, and the event has raised enough money to start getting renewable energy installed onto surf clubs. It may take a few weeks to work out how much money was made on the day, but generous support from the National Australia Bank and Tathra Beach and Bike insured that this event was always going to be a success. This was a collaborative effort between CEFE, the Narooma and Bermagui surf clubs, and the Narooma swim club, and thanks to all who contributed to the smooth running of this event. Well done to the Narooma surf club for wading through the mountain of paper work that is a part of events like these, and for providing water safety on the day.
Matthew Nott
The Narooma LifeSaving Energy Big Swim
After the success of the Jindabyne Big Swim, there is growing interest in the Narooma LifeSaving Energy Big Swim, to be held in the Wagonga Inlet on 20/4/08. Here is the plan: The 7km swim will start at Taylor's fish and chip shop in Narooma at 8am on Sunday 20/4. Entrants will swim into the bay, around a bouy that will be clearly marked, then down the Wagonga Inlet (with the tide) to finish at Little Bar Beach. There is no entry fee, but swimmers will be asked to look for sponsorship, to go towards funding renewable energy for the Narooma and Bermagui surf clubs. A 2km swim will be held on the same day, starting from the bridge, and finishing at Little Bar Beach. Swimming with the tide will make this swim a quick one. An entry fee for the shorter swim will be asked for.
There will be a surf boat race starting at 1200hrs, following the 7km swim course.
Water safety will be provided by the Narooma and Bermagui surf clubs, and there will be live music at the finish.
How much money does this swim need to raise?
We get an $8000 AGO rebate, and the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla councils have agreed to fund LifeSaving Energy dollar for dollar with community donations. The Narooma and Bermagui surf clubs have already started fundraising.
If you put that all together, if we can raise about $8000 with this swim, then we get the Bermagui and Narooma surf clubs set up with renewable energy. We get solar panels and a wind turbine onto the roof of the Narooma surf club in June, and we wait for Bermagui to get a clubhouse. We can instal the renewable energy at Bermagui as a free standing set up, on the site of the surf club, and it can immediately start saving money for the Bermi club.
This swim is also looking to raise some much needed funding for the Narooma swimming club. The swim club are an intergral part of this event, which is evolving into a stong partnership between Clean Energy For Eternity and the surf clubs of SE NSW.
The Jindabyne LifeSaving Energy Big Swim raised nearly $20000 for the Jindy surf club, and renewable energy will be installed on the roof of the surf club on 3/5/08.
The next LSE Big Swim will be in the Moruya River (another 7km swim) on 11/5. This will be to raise money for the Moruya and Broulee surf clubs. Both surf clubs are well underway with fundraising. This event will be open to experienced swimmers only.
Matthew Nott
The first LifeSaving Energy Big Swim was held on Lake Jindabyne in perfect conditions on 10/2/08. 20 swimmers swam the 7 km from Kalkite to Jindabyne, raising an impressive $20000, to install 2 kWatt
worth of solar photovoltaic cells and a 400 W wind turbine on the roof of the Jindabyne surf club. The next LifeSaving Energy Big Swim will be held on the Wagonga Inlet in Narooma to raise money for the Narooma and Bermagui surf clubs. After that, a swim in the Moruya River to raise money for renewable energy for the Moruya and Broulee surf clubs. All swims will be 7 km in length, 7 km for 7 surf clubs in SE NSW. Stay tuned for more events.
 - Click on Life Savers to find out about 2009 LifeSaving Energy Big Swim series. Cartoon by Les Brown.
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