Ultra-distance swimmer and Durban North resident, Sarah Ferguson, is no stranger to taking on historic challenges.

Ferguson, who became the first person to swim around Rapa Nui (Easter Island), also made history in 2017 becoming the first woman from the African continent to complete the 46km Kai’wi Channel between the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Molokai.

Now, she is planning to take on a 1 500km swim along the coast from Durban to Cape Town aptly dubbed the One Ocean Swim to raise public awareness around plastic pollution.

Ferguson, who will set off on Monday, February 21 from the Durban Undersea Club (DUC) said plans on swimming the coastline in stages and has given herself a year to complete the swim.

“This swim is primarily about creating awareness on plastic pollution and changing how our behaviour can make a difference. It is also about highlighting the incredible coastline we have and how important it is to protect it now more than ever. I plan on stopping at points along the way and attempting to swim between four and five hours a day,” Ferguson explained.

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“I will be swimming through marine protected areas and engaging with local communities about various initiatives to save conservation and clean-up our beaches. We also want to highlight what has been done and what is being done to protect our oceans. I hope that through every stroke I am able to inspire others to do their bit and create change.”

Speaking on the challenges that lay ahead, Ferguson said she was trying not to overthink things.

“I have years of open water swimming behind me and I feel that experience and my drive to succeed will help. My team around me who will be supporting me along the way help me stay mentally strong. The key is preparing for every eventuality. For me that means preparing for the worst, hoping for the best while having fun along the way,” she said.

Ferguson is the founder of non-profit company, Breathe Conservation, which is dedicated to finding a solution to plastic pollution.

Ferguson encouraged residents to follow her journey through her Instagram and Facebook pages, One Ocean Swim.