DURBAN North’s ocean warrior, Sarah Ferguson, has completed half the One Ocean Swim to raise awareness of plastic pollution in our ocean.

“The aim of the swim is to create awareness about plastic pollution and send a message that we need to eliminate plastic usage in our daily lives,” she said.

Ferguson, who is a professional swimmer, will continue the swim in November.

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“I swam from Durban to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). I’ll then swim from there all the way to Cape Town,” she said.

Ferguson is also a retired national swimmer who holds a Guinness World Record for becoming the first person to circumnavigate Easter Island.

She is the CEO of Breath Conservation, an organisation that focuses on caring for the ocean.

So far, she has raised just over R87 000. Her target is R2m.

Ferguson is coached by Durban North swim coach, Sarah Houston.

Houston also seconded her during the swim, ensuring that her breathing, strokes and the like were correct.

“I also ensured that she was nourished while swimming because one does get hungry and thirsty,” said Houston.

Ferguson said the swim was exciting but also a challenge in terms of securing funds.
“There were days when we were not sure if we were going to continue to swim, but then funds came in and we continued,” she said.

Over the years, Ferguson has completed numerous swims of this nature.

“I have given my all to these swims because the ocean and all the creatures in it are important to me.

“There’s so much involved, such as getting together a team, finding accommodation, securing sponsors and more, but it’s all worth it in the end,” she said.

“We have such a beautiful coastline, and we rely on it for food so we all have to play a part and take care of it,” added Ferguson.
She said the swim is very special to her as she would be swimming from her current hometown to her original hometown.

“The coastline from Durban to Cape Town is breathtaking. If we don’t take care of our beaches now, there’ll be nothing left for future generations,” said Ferguson.

She added that she would like to spread the word to local schools because conservation and caring for nature must start at a young age.

“Adults are more set in their ways, but that’s not to say they can’t make simple changes that result in making more eco-friendly choices,” said Houston.