Victory lap: 17-year-old’s fundraising success

Station 23 (Wilderness) crew member Jané Botha recently raised a staggering R47 500 for the NSRI by swimming 73 775 meters in 24 hours!

At just 17 years old, Jané Botha has already proven that age is no barrier to extraordinary accomplishment. As the youngest crew member of NSRI Station 23 in Wilderness, Jané was inspired to achieve a remarkable goal: to swim for a full 24 hours to raise funds for her station.

On Sunday, 22 October, Jané completed an astounding 74 kilometres of swimming in the Glenwood House School pool, and she did it all in just 24 hours. Members of the public were encouraged to book a lane in the pool to swim alongside Jané for R100 per hour, or to donate via her GivenGain page. By the end, her efforts raised an impressive R47 500.

“As my mom started the countdown to begin the swim, I felt waves of anticipation, excitement, and nervousness. The long hours ahead were uncertain – I had never attempted anything so out-of-this-world in my entire life. The physical and mental challenges definitely tested the limits of my endurance, but as soon as I was in the water, I realised that every stroke I took, and each lap I swam, was not about my personal achievement, but a symbol of support to those who dedicate years of their lives for the safety of others.”

Throughout the 24-hour swim, she was surrounded by supporters, including family, friends, and fellow crew members. They stood by her side, both in the water and on the pool deck, providing encouragement and a sense of camaraderie that fuelled her determination. Advice from a proud dad, Dr Beyers Botha, no doubt played a role: “Don’t ever underestimate your dreams.”

Jané had to overcome both physical and mental hurdles during her journey. Setting off at 6am that morning in the pouring rain, the downpours and strong winds continued relentlessly throughout the day, causing localised flooding, landslides and road closures along the Garden Route.

“My biggest concern that day was the thunder, but luckily it stayed away.”

What made Jané’s swim even more significant was the symbolic way she tracked her progress: for every hour spent in the water, an NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy (PRB) was mounted on a pole. Indeed, Jané’s swim was not just about raising funds, but also raising awareness for the NSRI’s PRB project, a life-saving initiative that has already helped rescue 158 people since its inception. The bright pink buoys are strategically placed at inland rivers, dams, and beaches throughout South Africa – with new buoys being added all the time – acting as emergency flotation devices until help arrives.

The funds raised will be put towards a solar power solution for Station 23, enabling the base to be fully operational (and unhindered by load-shedding) in the upcoming festive season, the busiest time of year for the crew.

“Over a year and a half ago, I joined Station 23 as a trainee, knowing little of how much that decision would change my life,” says Jané. “On that day, I found my home away from home, and from then on I have made endless friendships and met the most extraordinary mentors that I’m so glad to now call family.”

The NSRI is extremely proud of Jané for not only achieving her goal, but for making a significant impact on her community and her station. We look forward to seeing the positive changes it will bring to Wilderness and beyond. Jané Botha is a true inspiration, reminding us that even the youngest among us can make a world of difference.

Read more about becoming a volunteer PRB custodian here. To apply to become a PRB custodian in your area, fill out the application form here.