gen Rottnest Channel Swim

The first swimmer has crossed the finish line at Rottnest Island after a mammoth 19.7km journey.

Max Coten, 21, took out the crown of the 2025 Rottnest Channel Swim after completing it in four hours and two minutes on Saturday morning.

The event splashed off at 5am at Cottesloe Beach without a hitch as thousands of competitors braved the chilly conditions to swim to WA’s favourite holiday island.

Organisers were forced to cancel the event in 2024 because of rough seas — only the second time in had happened in its 34-year history.

A number of swimmers who had already started had to be rescued.

But the 2025 version had far better conditions, with cloudy skies clearing as the day’s temperature headed towards 25C.

A total of 2754 athletes from 12 different countries — Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Croatia, Britain, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA — took part in the swim.

They were joined at Cottesloe Beach by family, friends, supporters and spectators, with a horn blast sending the swimmers on their way.

Premier Roger Cook was also on hand to cheer competitors along, as well as independent MP Kate Chaney.

Veteran Rottnest Channel solo swimmer Andrew Page was among those taking part, looking to cross the finish line for his 44th time.

The youngest swimmer is Cooper Chesire at just 14.