Swimmers keen to compete in an achievable, open water competition – while raising much-needed funds for charity – can book a spot on the 1 Mile event of this year’s Oceans 8 Charity Swim along Durban’s shores. Taking place on Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16 June from the Durban Undersea Club, the 1 Mile swim is limited to only 50 competitors per event, so it’s important to book early!

“We want to ensure there is something for every swimmer in this year’s Oceans 8 Charity Swim and we believe the 1 Mile event will be very much in demand,” commented Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Hilary Bruss. “We know that open-water swimming is the world’s fastest-growing sport, and the 1 Mile option gives people a chance to discover what all the fuss is about! This is the country’s first-of-its-kind open water swim and we look forward to it growing year-on-year.”

Swimmers only need to enter the age category event if they wish to compete for their age-group medal, with an entry fee of R150 per swimmer, which includes a cap and a hand-beaded keyring medal. Each 1 Mile swimmer will also need to fundraise R850 which will be split equally between the 10 invitational KwaZulu-Natal charities.

1. Adopt-a-River ( www.adoptariversa.org )
2. Caversham Education Institute ( www.cavershaminstitute.co.za )
3. CROW - The Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife ( www.crowkzn.co.za )
4. Game Rangers’ Association of Africa ( www.gameranger.org )
5. International Sailors’ Society of Southern Africa ( www.saiss.co.za )
6. Kerr House ( www.kerrhouse.co.za )
7. Liberty NPO ( www.libertynpo.co.za )
8. One Planet S.A. ( www.oneplanet.org.za )
9. Wildlife ACT ( www.wildlifeact.com )
10. Umduduzi - Hospice Care for Children ( www.umduduzi.co.za )

This ocean swim was started by founding charities - Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Project Rhino, and Singakwenza Early Childhood Education – to provide a sustainable flow of funding for such charities. Last year’s inaugural event welcomed more than 170 swimmers who raised R926 359.79 for the 14 charities. This year, event organisers are hoping to double that number.

This now iconic local event also includes the longer 4 Miler and 8 Miler competitions, limited to 20 and 150 swimmers respectively. 4 Miler competitors pay an entry of R600 per person with R3 000 raised for charity, while 8 Miler competitors – who need to have competed in an official sea swim prior - pay an entry of R1 000 with a minimum of R5 000 raised for a charity of choice.

Enter now!

Visit www.oceans8swim.co.za to enter the 2024 Oceans 8 Charity Swim. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact info@oceans8swim.co.za, 033 343 1650 or 082 445 6764. Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook