Get ready for annual Durban charity swim
It unites people through a shared love of swimming while raising funds for non-profit organisations.
The Oceans 8 Charity Swim returns to Vetch’s Beach at the Durban Undersea Club on May 23 and 24 (25th), bringing together swimmers, supporters, partners and 14 beneficiary charities for a two-day ocean event rooted in community and shared impact.
Founded by charities for charities, Oceans 8 was created with a simple but ambitious vision: to unite people through a shared love of swimming while raising funds for non-profit organisations with a footprint in KZN.
Since its inception, the event has raised over R3m, directly supporting 23 charities and the communities they serve.
“Oceans 8 is about shared purpose and the belief that when we come together, we can strengthen the work already happening in our communities,” said Nicci Carvalho, event spokesperson.
“It’s ordinary people doing something challenging, and creating lasting impact.”
The 1- and 4-mile swims support the event’s 10 invitational charities, with funds raised shared equally among them. Swimmers taking on the 8 and 16 mile challenges direct their fundraising towards one of Oceans 8’s four founding charities.
Schools once again form an important part of the weekend, with interschools’ participation encouraging learners to raise funds, earn community service hours and represent their schools in the 1-mile swim. Trophies are up for grabs too.
The event remains proudly volunteer-run, supported by a committed local network of businesses, safety teams and community partners who help bring the weekend together.
The 8 and 16 mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026 include Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust, National Sea Rescue Institute, Project Rhino and Singakwenza Early Childhood Education.
The 1 and 4 mile charities supported by the event include: 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, Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home, Rise Against Hunger Africa, Sport for Lives and Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children.
For more information or partnership enquiries, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za. Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
