Ripple effect: Oceans8 Charity Swim

If you are a keen swimmer and would like to raise funds for the NSRI, this is your chance.

The inaugural Oceans8 Charity Swim in 2023 saw over 170 swimmers take part in the eight-mile swim. Twenty-two of these swimmers raised R170 000 for the NSRI!

This year, NSRI community fundraiser Renée Leeuwner hopes to raise an even more impressive amount, which will secure essential funding towards the building of a new rescue base in Ballito.

“The funds raised in 2023 were used to purchase essential equipment for our Cape Vidal station,” says Renée. “This year, the funds will go to the new base we plan on building in Ballito. Station 41 has been in operation for seven years and has proven to be one of the busier NSRI rescue bases, consistently being in the top five in terms of rescue operations undertaken and the number of people rescued.”

This year, the second Oceans8 Charity Swim is taking place from 15-16 June in Durban at the Point Water Sports Club. The first warm water ocean challenge of its kind in South Africa, the event was created by a group of non-profit organisations, including the NSRI, to help to provide charities that have a footprint in KwaZulu-Natal with a sustainable source of income. In 2023, the event raised a total of nearly R950 000 in total for beneficiary NGOs.

In order to take part, entrants for the eight-mile swim will have to pay a R1 000 entrance fee as well as raise R5 000 for their charity of choice. All swimmers must have completed at least one official sea swim prior to the event. The eight-mile swim is comprised of four miles on Saturday 15 June, and another four on Sunday 16 June. There are also shorter swims of four miles or one mile.

In 2023, retired KwaZulu-Natal local Trevor Lauf, the oldest participant at 76 years, raised a total of R16 000 for the NSRI. If he can do it – so can you!

“It is extraordinary to see the enthusiasm and passion of the swimmers,” says Renée. “Their commitment to the swim is incredibly inspiring, especially when one realises that they are doing it to raise funds for charity.”

There are still some spaces available, so if you are a keen swimmer and would like to raise funds for the NSRI, this is your opportunity. For more information about the Oceans8 Swim, and to register for the swim, please visit Oceans8.co.za or contact Renée on 067 425 1019 or renee@searescue.org.za.