2006-2010

The 2006 Multiplex Living Rottnest Channel Swim marked the 50th anniversary for the 19.2km crossing of the Rottnest Channel. Swimmers faced some of the worst conditions encountered in the race's history with a large swell, buffeting winds and colder-than-usual water. The demanding conditions saw a quarter of the field retire. 2006 saw the introduction of an online entry process. Entry for teams and duos was open for 7 days and this attracted 3,910 entries. An electronic random ballot was then conducted to determine which 2,300 swimmers would participate. A clearly defined course was introduced in 2006 and compulsory gates were placed at the 10km, 15km and at Phillip Rock that swimmers had to swim through to avoid disqualification. Since the inception of the race in 1991, over 16,500 people have crossed the Rottnest Channel. Whilst the popularity of the event is constantly increasing, only two swimmers have partipated each year: Peter Hodge and John Guilfoyle. To date 705 solo swimmers have successfully completed 1,173 crossings of the Rottnest Channel. The Rottnest Channel Swim has truly become an international event with swimmers from the United Kingdom, United States of America, India, Japan, South Africa and Ireland competing and making successful solo crossings. The oldest swimmer to complete a solo crossing is Dieter Loeliger from Margaret River (formerly South Australia) at age 72.99. Dieter has successfully completed 10 solo crossings since 1996.

The 2007 Multiplex Living Rottnest Channel Swim was cancelled due to very poor weather conditions caused by cyclonic activity in the north west of Western Australia.

The 2008 BankWest Rottnest Channel Swim was a great success with a large number of participants completeing the event. What started out as an overcast day meant that the winds that were expected never arrived. As the afternoon progressed the sun came out and the water temperature increased by a full degree.   Barbara Pellick completed her 20th crossing on the day which was fantastic.  Over 85 volunteers assisted through out the day and for the first time a photo was taken of all the successful solo swimmers just before the presentations started.