WATCH: Teen ready to take to icy water like his aquatic namesake
Thirteen-year-old Garrick Jahnel dives into his first open-water swim, raising funds for animal welfare this July
With its sleek body and relentless spirit, the garrick, a predator fish that hunts along the Atlantic coast, is known for fighting to the end.
It’s a fitting namesake for 13-year-old Garrick Jahnel from Jatniel, who will brave the icy waters of the CR Swart Dam on July 19 during the Polar Bear Swim. He’ll be swimming in support of The Animal Guardians (TAG), a Cloverdene-based animal welfare organisation.
For as long as he can remember, Garrick, nicknamed the ‘Ice Warrior’, has been drawn to water.
“My parents had a tough time keeping me from splashing around, so they enrolled me in swimming lessons,” said the soft-spoken teen.
“Swimming soon became my passion, and I’ve been competing ever since.”
At the recent summer championships, the Benhale Academy learner competed in the 400m individual medley and the 200m breaststroke, narrowly missing the level 3 qualifying time.
“It was so close. If I had swum just a little faster, I would have made it to the national championships,” he said humbly.
“I know I can do it, and if I stay focused on my Olympic dream, I believe I’ll achieve my goals next year.”
Instead of dwelling on what could have been, Garrick has turned his attention to a new goal – completing his first 1 000m open-water swim for charity.
As he dipped his toe into the frigid CR Swart Dam, he explained how the idea to link the event with a fundraiser for TAG came naturally.
“While we complain about the cold, TAG works nonstop to make sure their animals are warm and cared for,” he said.
“To show my support and appreciation for their team and the animals they help, I’ll give my best to complete the polar bear swim and, hopefully, collect enough donations to stock their food shelves and keep the animals cosy.”
In preparation, Garrick has been training in a family friend’s unheated pool.
“The water’s in the low teens, and so far I haven’t lost a limb,” he joked.
“I’ve been told to cover every inch of my body with petroleum jelly. I’m still thinking about it. I don’t want to leave an oil slick, but maybe it’ll make me swim faster.”
When talk turns serious, Garrick’s focus shifts.
“I really want to make this a success. Doing something beyond yourself, without expecting anything in return, is important to me,” he said.
“I’d be grateful for any support in my mission to help TAG.”
He’s calling on fellow swimmers to get involved too.
“I challenge every swimmer joining me to bring along a bag of dog or cat food. If we each give a little, the shelter will receive a huge donation.”
How to help:
People can drop off donations of pet food on 86 Cloverdene Road, Van Ryn, Benoni SH, or deposit monetary donations into:
TAG
Standard Bank cheque account
Number: 10106261256
Branch code: 051001. Use the reference Garrick.
Send proof of payment to 076 330 5736.
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