Ocean swim raises funds for Lower South Coast SPCA
Christo van Rooyen trained over several months and finished the swim in under two hours.
Christo van Rooyen (30) of Ramsgate undertook an 8km ocean swim on May 2, to once again raise funds for charity.
He swam from Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club to St Lucien Beach to raise funds for the Lower South Coast SPCA’s ongoing work in the fight against animal cruelty and the care of vulnerable animals.
The swim took him an hour and 49 minutes, with two breaks.
His efforts resulted in R2 990 being raised for the animal welfare organisation.
“The sea conditions were great and I couldn’t have asked for better because it made it easy for me to swim. I swam through jelly fish and got stung a lot just before I reached St Michael’s, but I was fine.”
He added he had trained rigorously in the past few months, which he believes is the reason for the under two-hour finish.
Christo had a number of supporters – local bikers, the community, SPCA staff, NSRI, KZN Private Ambulance and many others came along to cheer for him.
Boats from NSRI with paramedics were launched to accompany him, making sure that he was safe in the water.
He plans to do similar events every year to raise funds for non-profit organisations.
“I am planning another swim in November or December,” he added.
Members of the public also donated items which went directly to the SPCA.
Mike Davis, manager of the LSC SPCA, said he is grateful for the initiative, and that the funds raised will help care for animals.
In December 2025, Christo swam 7.9km from Shelly Beach to Margate, and raised over R7 000 for NSRI Shelly Beach.
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