When Janette Dickey entered the Stonnington community swimming event Take the Plunge in 2013, she didn’t expect to win.
Janette wasn’t a professional swimmer, but a busy mum squeezing in a couple of swims a week.
“I was working and had an 8- and 10-year old, so I only really got to the pool twice a week,” Janette said.
To Janette's surprise, she took home gold (and two pairs of Speedos she was equally thrilled about winning).
Now, Janette is encouraging others to dive in and start training, with the much-loved community swimming event returning to Harold Holt Swim Centre this November.
Crowded lanes and camaraderie
When it launched in 1993, Take the Plunge embodied a true community spirit, welcoming swimmers of all levels and ages for friendly competition.
Janette remembers the early years of the event as busy, chaotic and full of energy.
“Swimmers shared lanes with four to five other people, each starting ten seconds apart,” she recalls.
“I always hoped the swimmers in my lane had submitted a correct time and didn’t slow down near the end of the race because it was really hard to pass them.”
Janette also helped with timekeeping, which could get tricky when swimmers overtook each other mid-race.
While those early races were crowded, the event has evolved – with only one swimmer per lane now in place to ensure safety and give every participant a clearer run.
Back again – and faster
After a 21-year-long run, the event took an 11-year hiatus.
It returned in 2025 and this time, Janette made a clean sweep in the 65+ category, winning the 1km, 400m and 50m races.
“Having just turned 65, I was very happy as I had just completed a successful season of open water swimming races,” she said.
“I was fit, strong and keen to swim well.” Janette even believes she swam faster last year than she did in 2013.
Interested in having a go?
Take the Plunge is all about getting in the water.
“It’s not just for winners and good swimmers,” Janette said.
“It’s for all kinds of swimmers – a chance to give it a go, participate, share everyone’s joy of swimming and celebrate this wonderful community asset that we have.”
“Do a little training and set a time – then you have a target to beat next year. You can also find a friend and challenge them.”
For this year’s event, Janette is even thinking of bringing her 97-year-old mother along to compete.
“If she can do it, surely anyone can.”
Register your interest in Take the Plunge 2026
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