The Oceans 8 Charity Swim is back, and this year’s INTERSCHOOLS 1 MILE CHALLENGE promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever. Taking place on June 14 and 15 at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club, this open-water swim gives students the chance to push their sporting limits, support worthy causes, and earn recognition for their school - all while boosting their mental and physical well-being.
"Swimming helps build mental fitness. The Oceans 8 Challenge gives South African schoolchildren a healthy outlet to channel their energy, build confidence, and contribute to something greater than themselves. It’s the perfect antidote to the academic stress that comes with preparing for exams,” said, Nicci Carvalho, event spokesperson.
Oceans 8 was founded by charities for charities in 2023 to support the incredible work across conservation, education, childcare and more. To date, more than R1.7 million has been raised to support the sustainability of 23 charitable organisations, with the goal of increasing the year-on-year totals for these deserving non-profit organisations across KwaZulu-Natal.
Through the INTERSCHOOLS 1 MILE CHALLENGE, schools have a chance to contribute to the fundraising efforts with participants earning community service hours while competing for two prestigious floating trophies:
- The Alex Speirs Memorial Trophy – Awarded to the school that raises the most funds.
- The Andrew Cribbins Memorial Trophy – Awarded to the school with the most participants.
In 2024, Treverton School dominated both categories, with Reddam House Umhlanga and Steyn City School also making their mark. Which school will claim victory in 2025?
Enter the INTERSCHOOLS 1 MILE CHALLENGE
- Who can enter? Classmates, teachers, family and friends representing the school.
- When and where? 14 and 15 June at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club
- Entry fee? R200 per swimmer (includes cap, medal, goodie bag) + R800 raised to support charity
- How to enter? Visit www.oceans8swim.co.za
Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025 Events
- 1 Mile Event: Choose one of 4 events on Day 1 or Day 2. Cost: R200 per person + minimum R800 raised for invitational charities.
- 4 Mile Event: Swim 2 miles on Day 1 and 2 miles on Day 2. Cost: R700 per person + minimum R3 000 raised for invitational charities.
- 8 Mile Event: Swim 4 miles on Day 1 and 4 miles on Day 2. Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5 000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.
- NEW EVENT! 16 Mile Event: Swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2. Swimmers will swim the 1 Mile course twice during each event. Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5 000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.
8 and 16 Mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025:
- Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust
- National Sea Rescue Institute
- Project Rhino
- Singakwenza Early Childhood Education
1 and 4 Mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025:
- CROW (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
- Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children
- Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home
- Rise Against Hunger Africa
- Sport for Lives
To enter, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za. For more information or to learn about partnership opportunities, contact [email protected]. Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.