THE introduction of the 16 Mile category to the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025 is expected to be one of the highlights of the event when participants take to the open waters on June 14 and 15 at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club.

Coupled with the return of the Interschools 1 Mile Challenge, the Oceans 8 Charity Swim promises to be grander and more impactful than before. Event spokesperson Nicci Carvalho said the open-water swim offers learners a unique opportunity to test their sporting limits, support worthy causes, and garner recognition for their schools while enhancing their mental and physical well-being.

“The Oceans 8 Challenge gives South African schoolchildren a healthy outlet to channel their energy, build confidence, and contribute to something greater than themselves. It’s the perfect antidote to the academic stress that comes with preparing for exams. Swimming helps build mental fitness,” said Carvalho.

Also Read: Dive into the Oceans 8 Charity Swim

Founded by charities for charities in 2023, Oceans 8 has been an incredible force for good, supporting conservation, education, and childcare. To date, the initiative has raised over R1.7m, benefiting 23 charitable organisations. The Interschools 1 Mile Challenge allows schools to contribute to these fundraising efforts while participants earn community service hours. Competing schools will vie for two floating trophies, the Alex Speirs Memorial Trophy which is awarded to the school that raises the most funds, and the Andrew Cribbins Memorial Trophy that is awarded to the school with the most participants.

Last year, Treverton School took home both trophies, with Reddam House Umhlanga and Steyn City School also making significant impacts. Entries for the Interschools 1 Mile Challenge are open to classmates, teachers, family, and friends representing their schools. To enter, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za. The entry fee is R200 per swimmer (includes cap, medal, goodie bag) and R800 raised to support charity.

Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025 Events

• 1 Mile Event: Choose one of 4 events on Day 1 or Day 2. Cost: R200 per person + minimum R800 raised for invitational charities.
• 4 Mile Event: Swim 2 miles on Day 1 and 2 miles on Day 2. Cost: R700 per person + minimum R3 000 raised for invitational charities.
• 8 Mile Event: Swim 4 miles on Day 1 and 4 miles on Day 2. Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5 000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.
• NEW EVENT! 16 Mile Event:  Swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2. Swimmers will swim the 1 Mile course twice during each event. Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5 000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.

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

To enter, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za. For more information or to learn about partnership opportunities, contact info@oceans8swim.co.za. Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.

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