The Rottnest Channel Swim may have been cancelled, but TEAM SABA is diving in anyway - determined to honour their charity commitment and the families they are swimming for.
While the official 2026 Rottnest Channel Swim event has been called off, 43 Team Saba swimmers will take to the pool tomorrow in a powerful show of resilience and community spirit, refusing to let months of training and more than $32,000 in fundraising go to waste.
Team Saba - a group of swimmers supporting the Saba Rose Button Foundation - said safety must always come first and expressed gratitude to the Rottnest Channel Swim Association for its clear communication during what has been a challenging week.
“We fully support the decision to prioritise participant safety,” said Kirst Button, General Manager of the Saba Rose Button Foundation. “But our mission continues despites the unfortunate weather.”
From Cottesloe to Bold Park - The Swim Continues
Instead of crossing 19.7 kilometres of open water, Team Saba has organised its own community swim at Bold Park Aquatic Centre.
Swimmers and support crew will gather from 10:00am on Saturday 21 February, with lanes booked from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Nine teams, three duos and one solo swimmer will complete their swim distances poolside - wearing their black Team Saba caps and bright bathers - determined to finish what they started.
“This is our biggest team and biggest year yet,” Mrs Button said. “Yes, the cancellation is disappointing - especially after months of early mornings and training sessions - but the heart of what we’re doing hasn’t changed. We’re swimming for children with additional needs and their families. They’re the reason we’re still getting in the water.”
Honouring the Charity Commitment
Team Saba has already raised $32,710 and is pushing towards its $40,000 target for the Saba Rose Button Foundation, a WA-based not-for-profit charity supporting children with complex and high-care needs. The SRBF funds therapy, intensive therapy blocks, specialised equipment and tailored programs, while also providing respite and practical support for families across Western Australia.
Local swim coach Andrew Ridley said the team felt a responsibility to honour those who had donated.
“People have backed us because they believe in the cause,” Ridley said. “We had 43 swimmers and an incredible support crew ready for race day. The swim’s still on – it’s just moved from Cottesloe to Bold Park. Watch out, we’re making waves anyway.”
Ridley, who coaches Team Saba swimmers at Sorrento Beach each Friday morning through summer, said the pool swim would be about more than laps.
“It’s about awareness, inclusion and tangible support for families doing it tough. This is bigger than one event and one crossing.”
Community Encouraged to Get Behind the Team
Team Saba is encouraging the WA community to continue supporting its fundraising efforts and to follow along as images and updates from the swim are shared across social media.
To learn more or donate, visit: www.sabafoundation.org.au
ENDS
NOTE: Further high resolution images available on request.
About us:
About Saba Rose Button Foundation
The Saba Rose Button Foundation is a WA-based not-for-profit organisation supporting children with additional needs and their families. The Foundation sponsors therapy, intensive therapy blocks, specialised equipment and tailored programs for children with complex and high-care needs. It also provides support, respite, care and community outreach to families across the state.
Contact details:
Kirst Button
T: 0438205894
E: [email protected]
