Record-breaking spirit at the 2025 Oceans 8 Charity Swim

The third annual Oceans 8 Charity Swim, hosted once again at the Durban Undersea Club, proved to be its biggest and boldest yet, raising over R1.1 million for fourteen local charities, including the NSRI. With distances ranging from 1 to 16 miles, the event continues to draw passionate swimmers from across the country, all united by one mission: to raise funds for the organisations making an impact in KwaZulu-Natal.

This year, NSRI swimmers raised over R251 000, with participants ranging from seasoned open-water athletes to first-time ocean swimmers. Renée Leeuwner, NSRI's community fundraiser, attributes the record fundraising total to the event’s growing reputation and deeply collaborative nature.

“The event has grown so much, and every year we have more swimmers than the previous year, creating fundraising opportunities.”

The event’s unique ‘by charities, for charities’ model has helped foster a shared purpose among organisers, swimmers, and supporters.

“There is a sense of camaraderie, learning, support, inclusivity and ubuntu,” says Renée. “These attributes spill over into the actual event, and the days the swimmers and spectators spend on the beach and in the water become time spent with friends.”

Among this year’s participants were swimmers whose personal stories inspired many on and off the beach.

Gavin Smith: Defying limits, one stroke at a time

One of the standout participants this year was Gavin Smith, an amputee who completed the full 16-mile swim. Gavin has completed all three Oceans 8 events for NSRI, and this year, he set his sights on the longest and most gruelling distance.

“Always up for a new challenge,” he says simply when asked what motivated him to take it on.

Gavin, also a seasoned paddler, recently completed the 47km Scottburgh to Brighton surf ski race, and finds strength in knowing the NSRI is always nearby.

“They support me with my disability, and I am very grateful for this,” he adds.

Although he noted that the 16-mile swim was more solitary and physically demanding, Gavin praised the event’s organisation and spirit.

“A bit tougher… but a well-organised, fantastic event.”

Daniel Makwakwa: A triathlete’s return to the water

Another remarkable story is that of Daniel (Sibusiso) Makwakwa, a lifeguard and former elite triathlete who completed the 8-mile swim this year after steadily progressing through the shorter distances.

After taking a decade-long break from triathlon, Daniel has found new inspiration through ocean swimming and supporting NSRI. “It’s really inspiring what these guys do, which makes it easier for me to support the work that they do.”

Now aiming for the 16-mile swim in 2026, Daniel has an ambitious year of open-water training ahead, including a 15km race in Egypt and a Robben Island swim.

“Hopefully, training goes accordingly and I'll grow from there… I plan to do more marathon swimming and open water swimming.”

The Oceans 8 Charity Swim continues to grow – not just in numbers and funds raised, but in the depth of its impact. With each new swimmer, a new story, a new challenge, and a new opportunity to support the lifesaving work of organisations like the NSRI is set in motion.

To learn more or to register for 2026, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za