The event was first swum at South Beach Fremantle in 1922 and was the first open water swim in WA. It was won by 14 year old Maisie Boyle who was awarded a teapot. In 2023, the Fremantle Ports Swim Thru celebrates 101 years of the event.
 
A replica of the teapot, known as the Maisie Boyle trophy, bears the name of all winning swimmers since the event was restarted in 2003.

The Fremantle Ports Swim Thru is organised by the Fremantle Masters Swimming Club, and offers three event distances of 250m, 1600m, & 3.2km so there's something for everyone!