Dive into the Oceans 8 Charity Swim

THE country’s first-of-its-kind open-water swim, organised exclusively by charities for charities, returns to Durban’s shores on June 15 and 16 at the Durban Undersea Club.

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“Open water swimming is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we’re excited to provide swimmers with an opportunity to compete on the East Coast while supporting our local charities,” explained Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Hilary Bruss.

“At last year’s inaugural event, more than 170 swimmers competed across 80 miles, raising a phenomenal R926 359.79 for the 14 charities! This year, we hope to double the charitable funds raised,” she added.

This epic ocean swim was started by founding charities – Duzi-uMmngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Project Rhino and Singakwenza Early Childhood Education – as a way to provide a sustainable flow of funding for these and 10 other non-profit organisations in KZN.

These include Adopt-a-River, Caversham Education Institute, CROW – The Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Game Rangers’ Association of Africa, International Sailors’ Society of Southern Africa, Kerr House, Liberty NPO, One Planet SA, Wildlife ACT and Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children.

Bruss said the Oceans 8 Charity Swim was going a step further by also highlighting the need for ocean conservation.

“This is a single-use, plastic-free event that supports local suppliers, and all sponsors are supplying items in line with this sustainable messaging. This includes the sponsorship of reusable water bottles and the provision of spring water from Dundee via giant water containers; kit bags made from recycled advertising banners; and handcrafted medals which can be used as beaded keyrings after the event,” she said.

There are also significant sponsorship opportunities for companies wanting to come on board. Benefits for sponsors include extensive on-site marketing, social media marketing, direct mailers, listings on national events calendars, branded goods and live broadcasting. Sponsors will also be supporting the 14 local charities by contributing to the cost of running the event.

Visit www.oceans8swim.co.za to enter the 2024 Oceans 8 Charity Swim. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact info@oceans8swim.co.za, 033 343 1650 or 082 445 6764. Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.

Side bar:
Event information:
8-Milers
– Swimmers complete 4 miles on Day 1 (Saturday, June 15) and 4 miles on Day 2 (Sunday, June 16). Monday, June 1 is a contingency day.
– Each mile will start every 75 minutes from 07:30.
– The entry fee is R1 000 (includes exclusive Oceans 8 Charity Swim costume, bag, cap and medal).
– A minimum of R5 000 is to be raised for the main charity of choice.
– The race is limited to 150 swimmers.
– All swimmers must have completed at least one official sea swim before the event.

4-Milers
– All funds raised by 4-mile swimmers will be split equally between the 10 invitational charities.
– Swimmers complete 2 miles on Day 1 (Saturday, June 15) and 2 miles on Day 2 (Sunday, June 16). Monday, June 1 is a contingency day.
– The entry fee is R600 (includes exclusive Oceans 8 Charity Swim costume, cap and medal).
– A minimum of R3 000 is to be raised for the 10 invitational charities.
– The race is limited to 20 swimmers.

1-Milers
– Choose one of the 4 events on Day 1 (Saturday, June 15) or Day 2 (Sunday, June 16). Monday, June 17, is a contingency day.
– Swimmer only needs to enter the age category event if they wish to compete for their age-group medal.
– Entry fee is R150 (includes cap and medal) plus R850 fundraising for charity.
– All funds raised by 1-mile swimmers will be split equally between the 10 invitational charities.
– The race is limited to 50 swimmers per event.

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