Over R1 Million Raised for Charities at the 2025 Oceans 8 Charity Swim

Fuelled by the spirit of ubuntu, hundreds of participants headed to Durban Undersea Club this past weekend, raising a record-breaking amount of more than R1.1million. This will go towards 14 local charities working in conservation, education, and community support and upliftment.

Oceans 8 welcomes seasoned athletes and first-time ocean swimmers alike, all competing for the personal challenge and to help re-write the story for local communities. At this year’s event, some 250 swimmers took to the water across four distances - the 1, 4, 8, and the new 16-mile challenge – from 14 to 16 June. Day 2 (Sunday, 15 June) moved to the contingency date the following day due to unfavourable conditions.

 “The safety and wellbeing of our swimmers is always our top priority,” said Hilary Bruss, Race Organiser. “With the north-easterly bringing in bluebottles early on Sunday, we are grateful to all participants and service teams for their flexibility and understanding in using the contingency day. It is a privilege to swim in the ocean, even when nature has other plans.”

From the early build-up to the final swim, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and camaraderie. Warm weather and clear water visibility added to the magic, and the event village buzzing with activity. This included cold water plunges with IGLU Therapy, hydration boosts by REVIVE Daily Electrolytes, frisbee fun thanks to Alu Direct, and hot chocolate courtesy of Nomu.

Bruss said an event of this nature requires significant collaboration: “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who played a part, from our safety crew and volunteers to every swimmer and supporter. Congratulations to all our top achievers and especially to those who took on their very first ocean swim.”

Among them were the youth development swimmers from the Lamontville Swimming Academy, whose courage and enthusiasm were inspiring. With entries fully sponsored by the Balwin Foundation NPC, these young athletes embraced the challenge with heart and determination, cheered on by fellow swimmers.

Londi Busse, who took on the new addition to the race, the 16 Mile, said it was well worth the effort: “Swimming 16 miles is a deep conversation between your body, your mind, and your purpose. There were tough moments, but my ‘why’ kept me going. Every stroke was worth it to support something bigger than myself.”

Sphelele Ngubane, a first-time competitor who swam in the 1 Mile commented: “I absolutely loved it! It’s a beautiful, relaxed, and fun experience - all while making a difference. Next year, I’m aiming for four miles, or even eight!”

Special thanks were extended to all supporting partners, the generous goodie bag and prize sponsors, as well as key financial sponsors: Stanley, ARENA, Alu Direct, Umngeni Water and IGLU Therapy. Bruss also thanked all the participants for the incredible fundraising efforts, one of whom – Jacqueline Cameron – raised R35 000, topping the list.

“This has become the number one event in my calendar each year,” commented Cameron. “The organisers and charities who put this together go above and beyond for the swimmers and for the incredible work they are doing for charity. The weekend is about camaraderie among swimmers from different walks of life – this is an amazing aspect of the event considering swimming is always thought of as a solo sport. The cherry on top is that the event is all about supporting some incredible KZN charities - this inspires me to keep training and coming back each year.”

8- and 16-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025:

• Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust
• National Sea Rescue Institute
• Project Rhino
• Singakwenza Early Childhood Education

1- and 4-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025:

• CROW (Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
• Game Rangers’ Association of South Africa
• IPSS Search and Rescue
• Makabongwe Pre-School
• Made for More
• Nazareth House in Berea
• Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children
• Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home
• Rise Against Hunger Africa
• Sport for Lives

For more information, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za, email info@oceans8swim.co.za or follow  @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.