It’s time to strip in the name of charity – the Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim celebrates its 10th anniversary

Posted on 10 June, 2026

In 2016, Ian Lindeman and a group of his closest friends took a cold plunge into Lake Burley Griffin, to do something ‘a bit different’ to refresh spirits and support a good cause.

Oh, and they were nude.

A decade later, the Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim has become a beloved event in Canberra’s cold-weather calendar, inspiring hundreds of locals to strip down to their birthday suits and take a dip – all in the name of raising money for charity.

Held at sunrise on the winter solstice each year (perfect for washing away negativity and feeling a sense of renewal for the upcoming solar year), 2026 will mark the 10^th year of the swim.

This year the Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim will be taking place on Sunday 21 June. Starting from 7.12 am at Yarralumla Beach, every dollar raised goes straight to Lifeline Canberra’s 24/7 Crisis Support Service to ensure that trained crisis supporters are available to answer calls from people experiencing distress or at risk of suicide.

Last year, a record $94,024 was raised, with over 420 participants baring it all. This year, Swim Committee Chairperson Ben Johnston says the goal is even bigger, with an aim to raise $110,000.

“As we celebrate the 10^th year of the swim, we’re proud to continue Ian’s legacy, bringing people together in support of mental health and raising vital funds for Lifeline Canberra’s crisis support services,” he says.

“Every week we lose a Canberran to suicide, and every day Lifeline Canberra’s Crisis Supporters help prevent the loss of many more. By supporting the 2026 Charity Swim, the community is helping Lifeline Canberra answer more calls and ensure more Canberrans have someone to talk to and someone to listen.”

And before you ask, this is a spectator-free event (for obvious reasons). But if you’re not willing to get cold for a good cause, you can donate to the Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim here.

According to Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson, the power of the event is that it embodies vulnerability, courage and human connection – values that sit at the heart of Lifeline Canberra’s work every single day.

“There is something incredibly powerful about seeing hundreds of people gather at sunrise, in the middle of winter, to support one another and stand behind mental health in our community,” she says.

“As the event celebrates its 10-year anniversary, we are incredibly honoured to continue being part of something that has become a much-loved Canberra tradition, and deeply grateful to the participants and wider community whose commitment continues to help ensure no Canberran has to face their darkest moments alone.”

Will you strip in the name of charity?

For more information or to register to participate, visit wintersolsticeswim.com.