Shedding layers and any negativity from the past year, hundreds of Canberrans will dive into the chilly waters of Lake Burley Griffin to raise funds for Lifeline Canberra. Returning for its eighth instalment, the Ian Lindeman Memorial Winter Solstice Swim will take place at Yarralumla Beach on Friday 21 June.

There are no mankinis, one-pieces or budgie smugglers worn on this occasion; all participants take the dip in nothing but their birthday suits. Stripping away your clothing and any negativity or resentment going into the upcoming solar year by taking a dip in freezing waters is only one part of this cheeky event.

The committee takes care of any associated costs to ensure all donations go directly to Lifeline Canberra and support the critical services they provide for those experiencing mental health issues. Ian Lindeman, founder of the Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim, wanted an event that would support charities that help those battling mental illness and fighting cancer.

“Ian himself was touched by those issues, having lost a son to suicide. Ian was a local at Old Canberra Inn, as was Stevie Wright, who also committed suicide; the two used to drink a lot of beers together. It was something that was close and personal for Ian and we settled in with Lifeline Canberra and the more we found out about their work, the more we wanted to support them,” says Ben Johnston, Chairperson of the Ian Lindeman Memorial Solstice Swim Committee.

Providing support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Lifeline Canberra is always on call for someone who may be experiencing a crisis. Carrie Leeson, CEO of Lifeline Canberra, says they are immeasurably grateful to everyone who participates to demonstrate true vulnerability and the power of community.

Ian Lindeman passed away in November 2019 from liver cancer. His legacy lives on as each year the event attracts more and more brave swimmers to attend and raise funds. Over the history of the event, more than $200,000 has been raised for charity, with an incredible $60,000 raised last year alone.

“The good thing is when people decide to swim naked in a lake and they encourage their friends to do it as well, the friends generally say no, but they are quite easy to guilt into donating,” smiles Mr Johnston.

Owner of the Old Canberra Inn, Mr Johnston first met Ian when he took over the establishment in 2014. He says that they inherited furniture and some of the characters, Ian being the best of them.

“He’s just a really beautiful man who had a lot of time for people, he loved to have a chat…Ian really had a lot of time to just be there for advice and always lent an ear for people. He was very good at connecting with people and supporting people, he was really well-loved by everybody at the Old Canberra Inn.”

Continuing the important work that Ian started, Mr Johnston says there are a few things that scare people about the swim. The opportunity to swim in Lake Burley Griffin is not often jumped at, especially not on a freezing winter morning. Then there is the prospect of doing it all in the nude, Mr Johnston believes this is what makes it the most special for people, a challenge for themselves.

“What is interesting about the nudity is as the event has built, it sort of becomes people hiding in plain sight. There’s almost so many people that no one notices each other’s bits, it’s just a flurry of people and flesh, it sort of protects your anonymity in that sense.”

The water is usually significantly warmer than the outside world, according to Mr Johnston, he says some people will make a quick plunge while others relish the fresh morning swim. Awaiting swimmers as they exit the water are warm fires, a hot drink and BBQ breakfast to help people warm from the inside out.

Working hand in hand with the committee, the Lifeline Canberra team has a group of volunteers helping with set up and ensuring the morning runs smoothly. From setting out candles, keeping beach fires alight and helping with the breakfast, Lifeline is engrained in the morning.

“When you turn in the morning it’s dark and you have candlelit pathways, we’ve got fires on the beach that need to be lit, a bagpipe player is playing, it is quite a moving atmosphere,” says Mr Johnston.

Whether you are feeling brave enough to jump on in or want to support more financially, donations and registration for this year’s swim are now open. Mr Johnston says over the years some of the teams participating have got friendly competitiveness with each other when it comes to fundraising.

“We have a trophy for the top fundraising team, we like to recognise them for the work that they do and really haranguing their networks into helping them out and supporting a good cause. It is such an important cause, it is quite easy for people to raise money for.”

Calling on those who are ready to do something they will never forget, Mr Johnston invites locals to come down and join the camaraderie, head into the new solar year refreshed and support Lifeline.

“Despite the apparent insanity of getting into the water naked on Winter Solstice, it is something that is energising for people. Challenging yourself can be good, especially when you get some friends involved,” says Mr Johnston.

Join the Ian Lindeman Memorial Winter Solstice Swim at Yarralumla Beach on Friday 21 June at 7:12am; wintersolsticeswim.com

Canberra Daily is keen to hear from you about a story idea in the Canberra and surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.