South African marathon swimmer Carina Bruwer has completed a challenging 17km ocean swim from Durban to uMhlanga, raising funds for marine conservation along the way.
Dallas Morgan / Unsplash / Illustrative purposes only
Bruwer finished the crossing on 26 October after spending four hours and 45 minutes in the water. The swim was far from straightforward, with strong currents, rough conditions and repeated jellyfish stings testing her endurance.
The route was initially planned in the opposite direction, from uMhlanga to Durban, to make use of the south-flowing ocean current. However, forecasts of strong southerly winds led the team to change plans. Swimming north meant Bruwer would have to work against the current, with increasingly choppy water making the crossing even more demanding.
Despite the conditions, she reached uMhlanga, completing an officially observed and documented swim between the two coastal towns.
More than a swimming challenge
The crossing was organised as part of GoReefers’ See It All campaign, with funds raised going towards the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR).
The Durban-based organisation has spent 75 years supporting marine research, conservation, animal rescue and environmental education. It’s work includes rescuing and rehabilitating endangered sea turtles, as well as helping young people learn more about the ocean and the importance of protecting it.
The campaign had raised R48,000 by the time of the organisers’ announcement, with donations still coming in. GoReefers also pledged R1,000 for every kilometre completed, adding R17,000 to the contribution.
The company covered the operational costs of the swim, including the support boat and crew, meaning all public donations go directly to SAAMBR. For Bruwer, the cause is particularly close to home. Having spent 20 years swimming in oceans around the world, she has seen first-hand why protecting marine environments matters.
She hopes the crossing will also inspire other swimmers to take on the Durban to uMhlanga route and experience this stretch of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
The swim may have taken less than five hours, but it’s impact could extend well beyond the finish line. With the fundraising campaign still open, there is an opportunity for more people to support the organisation working to protect the country’s marine life. The crossing is a reminder that a personal challenge can also become a way to give something back to the ocean.
Source (Northglen News)
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