Durban's annual charity swim to raise funds for 14 organisations at Vetch's Beach this May

Updated April 10, 2026, 8:31 a.m. | By Danny Guselli

This May, hundreds of swimmers will take to the Indian Ocean not just for the challenge, but to raise life-changing funds for 14 charities serving communities across KwaZulu-Natal.

The Oceans 8 Charity Swim is an annual two-day ocean swimming event held at Vetch's Beach at the Durban Undersea Club. Taking place on 23 and 24 May 2026, the event will bring together swimmers, supporters, community partners and 14 beneficiary charities for a weekend centred entirely on charitable giving and shared purpose.

Founded by charities for charities, the event was created to unite people through a shared love of swimming whilst raising funds for non-profit organisations operating within KwaZulu-Natal.

Since its inception, Oceans 8 has raised over R3 million, directly supporting 23 charities and the communities they serve.

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How does the fundraising model work?

The event offers four swimming distances, each tied to a specific fundraising structure, reports South Coast Herald. Swimmers completing the 1-mile and 4-mile routes will raise funds shared equally among the event's ten invitational charities. Those who take on the more demanding 8-mile and 16-mile challenges will direct their fundraising efforts towards one of the four founding charities of Oceans 8.

The 8-mile and 16-mile charities for 2026 are the Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust, the National Sea Rescue Institute, Project Rhino and Singakwenza Early Childhood Education.

The 1-mile and 4-mile charities include the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, the Game Rangers' Association of South Africa, IPSS Search and Rescue, Makabongwe Pre-School, Made for More, Nazareth House in Berea, Pietermaritzburg Children's Home, Rise Against Hunger Africa, Sport for Lives and Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children.

Which schools are involved?

Schools form an important part of the weekend programme. Interschools' participation will encourage learners to raise funds, earn community service hours and represent their schools in the 1-mile swim, with trophies awarded to participating schools.

What makes the event community-driven?

The event is entirely volunteer-run, supported by a committed local network of businesses, safety teams and community partners. Event spokesperson Nicci Carvalho described the spirit behind it: "Oceans 8 is about shared purpose and the belief that when we come together, we can strengthen the work already happening in our communities. It is ordinary people doing something challenging, and creating lasting impact."

For further information or partnership enquiries, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za or follow the event on Instagram at @oceans8_charityswim and on Facebook at oceans8swim.

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