Record swimmer from Somerset West raises nearly R65 000 for SPCA during False Bay crossing attempt

World-record endurance swimmer Howard Warrington has raised almost R65 000 for the Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) after attempting one of South Africa’s most demanding open-water swims, the False Bay Crossing, on Tuesday, January 6.

Mr Warrington, who holds the Guinness World Record for the most Robben Island crossings, entered the water at Miller’s Point early on Tuesday morning to tackle the 34km swim to Rooi Els.

The route is regarded as the country’s longest and toughest open-water crossing due to unpredictable currents, changing temperatures, and challenging sea conditions.

Water temperatures measured 18.33°C at the start of the swim, but dropped steadily throughout the day, reaching lows of around 14.6°C. Jellyfish stings were reported within the first few kilometres, and Mr Warrington, who swims without a wetsuit, experienced increasing cold and cramping as conditions dropped.

After seven hours in the water and covering 22km, he decided to end the swim due to safety concerns.

"Warm water brings jellyfish; cold water brings different challenges. Every swim tests my limits. But it’s nothing compared to the struggles faced by animals every day. This is my way of helping them,” said Mr Warrington.

SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham praised Warrington’s commitment, saying his effort would have a direct and lasting impact on animal welfare.

“He may not have reached Rooi Els, but he reached an entire community in need,” she said.

Despite not completing the full crossing, Ms Abraham confirmed that the effort successfully raised almost R65 000 for the SPCA’s expanded animal sterilisation drive, which aims to reach 10 000 sterilisations this year. Each procedure costs around R600, and the funds raised will support a mass sterilisation outreach in an underserved community.

Last year, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA sterilised more than 6 300 animals across Cape Town, with plans to expand operations in response to growing need.

The SPCA also thanked Warrington’s support crew, including his wife Elmarie, and the team from Davidson’s Boards, who skippered the safety vessel during the swim.

Mr Warrington has indicated that he intends to attempt the False Bay Crossing again in the future.