The marathon swimmer battled rough seas and jellyfish before helping raise thousands for marine conservation.
Durban, South Africa (29 October 2026 – Carina Bruwer has spent years swimming some of the world’s toughest oceans, but her latest challenge demanded every bit of determination she had.
The South African marathon swimmer completed a gruelling 17km crossing between Durban and Umhlanga after battling strong currents, rough seas and painful jellyfish stings and turned every kilometre into something bigger than sport.
The swim has already raised thousands of rand for the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), with donations continuing to roll in.
Originally, Bruwer planned to swim with the current. A last-minute weather assessment changed everything, forcing the team to reverse the route and take on the ocean head-on.
“That was a tough one,” Bruwer said. “We made the decision knowing it would mean working against the current.”
She eventually reached the finish after four hours and 45 minutes in increasingly unpredictable conditions.
The crossing wasn’t only about endurance. She hopes it becomes a recognised marathon-swimming route that attracts more athletes to experience KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline.
“There’s something special about setting off from one coastal town and arriving at another entirely through the ocean.”
The fundraiser supports SAAMBR’s work rescuing endangered sea turtles, advancing marine research and introducing children to the wonders of the ocean.
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Wheelchair Racers Steal the Show at Tarlton RacewayJust R200 can give ten children access to a marine education experience. This is something Bruwer believes could inspire future conservationists.
“We can’t know which child might become a future marine scientist because of an experience like this.”
The swim formed part of logistics company GoReefers’ See It All campaign, with the company covering the operational costs so public donations go directly to SAAMBR.
Looking back, Bruwer says the finish belonged to far more than the swimmer in the water.
“People see one swimmer, but an undertaking like this is only possible because of the extraordinary work happening around you.”
The swim may be over, but its ripple effect is only just beginning.
To support a swim, follow the link here.
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