Image: Marilyn Jetty Swim
In February 2026, one of South Australia’s most recognisable and heartfelt fundraising events is making a splash in a new way, as the Marilyn Jetty Swim heads poolside for the first time.
After more than a decade as part of the Channel 7 Brighton Jetty Classic, the much-loved Marilyn Jetty Swim will take place at Marion Outdoor Pool on Sunday, February 8, bringing together hundreds of South Australians dressed head to toe as Marilyn Monroe to raise vital funds for people impacted by cancer.
The poolside edition marks a temporary change of scenery, with the iconic Marilyns set to return to Brighton Jetty in 2027. In the meantime, the February event promises all the courage, compassion and spectacle the swim has become known for, delivered in a vibrant, accessible poolside celebration.
Participants can expect a high-energy pool party atmosphere, complete with food trucks and local vendors, powerful personal stories, and the much-loved Wave of Love Tribute Wall, offering a meaningful way for participants and supporters to honour loved ones affected by cancer.
While the white swimsuits, platinum blonde wigs and red lipstick remain, the heart of the event is deeply personal. The Marilyn Jetty Swim was founded by local Brighton resident Sarah Tinney, whose idea began as a light-hearted way to fundraise after her mum, who lived in the United States, was diagnosed with uterine cancer.
“I’m not athletic, but agreed to do a swim out to the jetty with a floaty on two conditions,” Sarah said. “I’d make it comical by dressing like one of the most iconic women to grace our screens, and I’d be joined by lookalike decoys so people couldn’t identify me swimming!”
What started as a playful concept quickly became something far more powerful. After losing her mum in 2007, and seeing close friends diagnosed with cancer, Sarah continued fundraising, transforming grief into action and building a community event that resonated across South Australia.
The first official Marilyn Jetty Swim in 2014 saw 50 Marilyns raise $26,500. Since then, the event has grown dramatically. In 2025 alone, more than 770 Marilyns took part, raising over $475,000. Across its 13-year history, the Marilyn Jetty Swim has now raised nearly $1.8 million.
All funds raised support Cancer Council SA and its life-saving prevention programs, world-class research and essential support services. This includes the 13 11 20 Information and Support line, where qualified health professionals provide free, confidential support to South Australians when they need it most.
As Marilyn Monroe once said, “We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.” This February, South Australians are invited to do just that — by dressing up, diving in, and standing together in the fight against cancer.
Registrations for the Marilyn Jetty Swim Poolside Edition are now open via themarilyns.org.
Marilyn Jetty Swim
Where: 120 Hendrie St, Park Holme SA 5043
When: Sunday, February 8th
For more information, click here.
