This is a call for anyone looking to enter the first-of-its-kind, warm water ocean challenge exclusively for charity – The Oceans 8 Charity Swim – taking place on Friday, 16th and Saturday, 17th June 2023 at the Durban Undersea Club. The closing date for entrants of the 8 Mile swim is Monday, 15th May, and those who enter the 1 Mile swim by Wednesday, 31st May will receive a free Oceans 8 buff.

“We are really excited to be hosting the inaugural Oceans 8 Charity Swim and would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has already signed up and shown their support,” said Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Hilary Bruss. “Massive thanks also go out to main event sponsors, Discovery, Mr Price Sport and Pick ‘n Pay, without whom this wouldn’t be possible.”

Bruss said the swim is being held at a key time in terms of both ocean conservation and support for NPOs: “Following the KZN floods last year, we witnessed the massive plastic pollution challenge that continues to plague our oceans and we’re hoping to really shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by our NPOs in addressing this. This swim is also about raising the much-needed financial support that allows 14 organisations to continue with the ground-breaking work they are doing.”

She explained that the pandemic and lockdown measures have also placed incredible financial pressure on NPOs: “The economy is battling, making sponsorship and funding very hard to come by. By entering this fun ocean swim, communities are showing their support and making it possible for these organisations to continue operating.”

This epic ocean swim was started by five charities: Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Project Rhino, Singakwenza Early Childhood Education, and WILDTRUST. The aim of the Oceans 8 is to provide a reliable and sustainable flow of funding to 14 deserving non-profit organisations in and around KwaZulu-Natal.

All funds generated through the 8 Mile swim will support the work of the 5 main charities, allowing these organisations to deliver on projects which impact education, the environment, community development and upliftment for those most in need.

In addition to this, funds generated by the 1 Mile swim will assist a further 9 invitational charities, namely:

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 )

Showing support for the Oceans 8 Charity Swim is Lion’s rugby player, James Tedder, who is challenging other provincial rugby players to take on the 1 Mile swim. The event organisers are also hosting an inter-school competition for the 1 Mile with a floating trophy given to the school with the most entrants, as well as one for the school that raises the most money. Even those not competing can assist by raising funds for individual school contributions, or simply donate towards the cause.

To enter the Oceans 8 Charity Swim, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za.

To donate towards the Oceans 8 Charity Swim cause, visit www.backabuddy.co.za/ocean-8-fundraiser.

Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.