Why I swim
Too many young lives are lost to suicide—and for LGBTQ+ youth, the risk is even higher. Research shows that nearly 50% of LGBTQ+ young people have seriously considered suicide in the past year. I’m diving in to change that. Every lap I swim is a step toward making sure there’s a safe, inclusive place for every young person when life feels overwhelming. 🏳️🌈🏊♂️
I'm swimming to save lives
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people in Australia.
More than 1 in 3 are experiencing mental health difficulties, yet over a million are not getting the support they need.
ReachOut provides anonymous, free and 100% online services so young people can find a safe place to connect, share and get help when life feels overwhelming.
I’m taking part in Laps for Life to make sure these vital services are always there. Please donate to my fundraiser and help more young people get the support they deserve.
My Swim Progress
Completed
11.40km (0 lap)
My goal
10km
My Impact
So far I’ve raised $1,107 to provided 276.7 young people experiencing mental health difficulties with vital support.
Top Donation
$106
Jason Walter
Shoutout to Jason Walter – my biggest supporter so far with a $106 donation to help young people get the mental health support they need through ReachOut!
Funds Raised
Note: displays max previous 3 years of fundraising only
My Updates
Goals, goals, goals 🏊♂️✨
I did it. I’ve officially surpassed my 10km goal for Laps for Life. If I’m being honest, I thought getting here would be a lot easier than it was. This March has been a whirlwind—juggling a hectic schedule, fighting off sickness, and facing some seriously big seas and bad weather. But through it all, I’ve stayed on track, and today, that persistence finally paid off. Today was especially rewarding because of the incredible community support. With the Double Donations window, so many lovely people came out of the woodwork—friends old and new—to help me turbocharge my fundraising. Seeing that total climb was the exact fuel I needed for my final laps. But the highlight happened right as I was closing in on the finish line. I had just one lap to go when a lovely person popped up to share my lane. She told me her story—her first swim in 16 years. It gave me a chance to share a bit of mine. I told her about the teenager I used to be—an underwater hockey player and a competitive swimmer who was often swimming alone, navigating my own mental health issues and the weight of being a queer kid in a world that didn't always feel safe. 🏳️🌈 That conversation was the perfect bridge to my goal. It reminded me that I'm not just swimming for "the stats" now; I'm swimming for that younger version of me (pictured), and for every young person who feels like they’re sinking today. After we spoke, I didn’t just hit the 10km mark—I blew right past it. I stayed in the water for a few extra laps just to enjoy the moment. Watching my fingers pass through the water, my nails turning blue and covered in bubbles... it’s a marvelous feeling. Three months ago, at the start of my own health journey, I don’t think this would have even been possible. I’m standing here now, 10km+ down, feeling stronger than ever and incredibly proud. Thank you for helping me turn these laps into a lifeline. 🌊💙 Share
Signs from lane 3 🏊♂️🏳️🌈
9.1km down, 0.9km to go! I just finished a solid 2.6km session today, which brings me to 91% of my total 10km goal. My arms are tired, but my heart is full. As I climbed out of the pool, I noticed I was in my lucky number, Lane 3, right next to a sign that said "Rainbow Squad." 🌈 As a queer man swimming for LGBTQ+ youth mental health, it felt like a powerful little reminder of exactly why I’m doing this. Those statistics—1 in 3 young Australians struggling, and even higher risks for the queer community—are the reason every lap matters. We are in the home stretch now. While the finish line for my 10km is just 900 metres away, my fundraising has leveled off, and I’m still working to close the gap on my donation goal. With the end of March fast approaching, I’m hoping for a final push to help ReachOut Australia keep their 24/7 lifeline running. If you’ve been thinking about donating, now is the time! Every dollar helps ensure no young person has to navigate their darkest moments alone. Let’s finish March strong. 🌊✨ Share
1.2km down!
After a slow start, on Thursday I do a 900m swim and then after a busy Friday I’ve got in a 1200meter swim today. the surfs are still big and messy so today was back to the pool. much easier and less combat going through the pool, just avoid the jumping monkeys. getting my total up and hopefully will get a few more donations to get closer to the goal and target so we can help some young folks with the support they need. Share
High tides but low numbers
Haven’t had the best opportunities for swimming lately with a few health issues but out again today in the ocean a bit like a washing machine but I got a few metres logged. the big seas and weather means might need to head back to the pool this week. otherwise got my laps for life hat and pack today - all geared up. Share
Why i’m swimming for laps for life this march.
🏊♂️🏳️🌈 The statistics for young gay men in Australia are a difficult reality to face. Research shows that queer young men are significantly more likely to experience severe mental health challenges and are at a much higher risk of suicide than their peers. This isn't just a number to me. Growing up as a gay kid, I experienced firsthand the bullying, fear, and loneliness that contribute to these stats. I’m swimming because I want to help change those numbers for the next generation. The water has always been my happy place. The beach and the pool are where I go to find peace and clear my head. This month, I’m turning those laps into a lifeline by raising funds for ReachOut Australia. They provide 24/7, anonymous mental health support for young people who feel like they’re sinking. Every dollar helps ensure that no young person has to navigate their darkest moments alone. Let’s make sure they feel seen, safe, and supported. 🌊✨ #LapsForLife #YouthMentalHealth #ReachOut #LGBTQIA Share
My Gallery
Thank you to my
supporters
$106.12
Jason Walter
$100
Leahan Walter
$100
Matched by The GPT Group
$94.86
Jesse Crockett
$94.86
Matched by 7-Eleven
$64.67
Anonymous
$54.12
Liam Crockett
Go Jess, good work, proud of you :-)
$54.12
Sue crockett
Love you Jesse
$52
The Walter tribe
Well done, Uncle Jesse! This is a great cause. Swim your heart out! Much love from the Walter tribe x
$52
Julie Powick
$50
Jenny
$38.33
Carolina
Great cause Jesse <3
$33.15
PENNY SWAN
In the words of Dory ‘just keep swimming’! You are a superstar Jesse X
$33.15
Matched by The GPT Group
$33.15
Clayton Supple
Go Jesse! Great cause!
$27.81
Emma Wellington
$25
Tom and Nat
$25
Sally Petersen
Great work Jesse! Such a worthwhile cause.
$22.58
Jess
Great cause cuz x
$22.58
Karen & Lex
Well done Jesse, not far to go
$11.65
Sandy Green
Great work Jesse xo
$11.65
Megan
You are awesome!
So proud of you darling ❤️❤️