Close to 200 swimmers braved cold waters and a chilly wind on Saturday September 14 for the Fish Hoek Mile, a fund-raising event for the Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club.
After a long hiatus, the swim, once one of the largest in False Bay, drawing 400 to 500 participants, made its return last year, according to organiser Scott Tait.
Mr Tait, who is part of Swim Cape Town and a member of the Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club, said the event was last held in the early 2000s and has now been revived with a new spring date.
Traditionally held in December, the Fish Hoek Mile was absent from the open-water swimming calendar for years following a fatal shark attack. Describing the revival as a “passion project”, Mr Tait has worked for nearly five years to reshape perceptions around the safety of open-water swimming.
“It took me nearly five years to do so,” he said, adding that he also organises several other events, including the Simon’s Town Bay Mile, a women’s-only swim held annually on Women’s Day.
This year’s event followed the original route, starting at Clovelly Beach and finishing in front of the lifesaving club. There were 199 entries, with 180 swimmers taking part and 175 successfully completing the race, an increase from last year’s 152 finishers. The youngest participant was just 10 years old, while the oldest was 79.
“Conditions were not ideal, and those who finished can be very proud of themselves. The youngest swimmer was fearless,” Mr Tait said, adding that the wide age range demonstrated that swimming was truly a sport for all.
With the event taking place just before the start of the lifesaving season in October, the club’s lifesavers were able to both participate and ensure safety on the day.
Mr Tait said fund-raisers such as the Fish Hoek Mile were crucial for the club, and the money it brought in would go towards replacing craft, equipment, and providing training.
The Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club boasts a rich, home-grown history in surf lifesaving and is consistently ranked among South Africa’s top lifesaving clubs, said nippers officer Nikki Mocke.
The club, she said, offered a volunteer-led lifeguard service throughout the lifesaving season from October to April and more than 350 children aged 5 to 14 took part weekly in its nipper programme during the summer.
“These young members are taught essential first aid skills, sea and water safety, and beach awareness, laying the foundation for future lifesavers.”
The club’s Dawid Mocke said the Fish Hoek Mile holds a special place in his heart.
“I first competed at 13 and even won a few years later. It’s a key way the Fish Hoek Lifesaving Club engages with the community to promote water safety.”
