Swimmer Throws SPCA a Lifeline with 100 Robben Island Crossings

You can also support the drive to reach R100,000 for 100 Swims. Celebrating the SPCA's 150th birthday. #Swim4Survival
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Established in 1872, the SPCA turned 150 years old in 2022. The animal welfare nonprofit has been working hard to rehome pets, putting wags in tales and smiles on little kids' faces. As a nonprofit, the SPCA is reliant on donations and events like Howard's swim to create a wake of awareness for the critical cause and give the income a significant bump.

I was lucky enough to be invited to photograph the event so joined the crew at the boat launch close to the V&A Waterfront. Jan was a highlight at the launch of the big day with his initiative to get his body marked by all the ladies, and some guys too. R100 for the SPCA bought them a highly sought after space on the well-honed physique.

Robben Island, famously the spot for the incarceration of Nelson Mandela, hosts the start of the swim. The swim between Robben Island and Big Bay, Bloubergstrand, is at a minimum 7.4 km long. The distance varies and can be further due to currents and your path to get to the bay. The swim takes Howard about two hours and 15 minutes to complete.

Howard's wife, Elmarie, supported many of these swims, and this time around he also received support from quite a few friends during the swim. Some of his friends swam with him and accompanied him from the start. Some jumped in the ocean at the end to support him at the finish.

Howard finished strongly at Big Bay to the crowd's cheer, where Elmarie and friends awaited to congratulate him. The SPCA was represented throughout the event and joined the festivities at the beach.