“It’s a wonderful feeling to achieve my swim record, but an even more amazing feeling to achieve the financial goal for the SPCA,” says Somerset West resident, Howard Warrington (59) about his record-setting swim on Sunday June 23, when he became the first man in the world to complete the 200th open endurance swim from Robben Island to Blouberg.
No stranger to diving into the deep, blue, vast, and unpredictable waters of the oceans for open water swimming events, this time around though this endurance athlete and swimmer’s determined attempt was dedicated to raising funds in support of the Cape of Good Hope SCPA’s Animal Hospital.
Initially the fund-raising target was set at R150 000, but after the event, the SPCA announced that Howard had exceeded this target and raised more than R160 000.
Belinda Abraham Spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA says: “He’s proof that heroes don’t always fly! Sometimes, they wear Speedos and they dive in head first when they hear a cry for help!”
Ms Abraham says every day the organisation has about 150 animals arrive at their Grassy Park facilities in search of medical treatment and assistance, with the SPCA’s Animal Hospital being their last and only hope.
“Our commitment to these animals is resolute but it comes at a significant cost. Last year our hospital incurred a loss of R5.1M. This level of financial strain is not sustainable and we’re incredibly grateful to Howard for pushing himself to his limits, so we never have to reach ours,” she says.
Howard swam the 7.4km swim in skins (no wetsuit) and the attempt could fortunately be executed in favourable conditions. “The sea temperature was a cool 13.2 degrees, but the conditions were wonderful.”
But diving in the deep end in support of animal healthcare was not without challenges. “It’s always a challenge jumping into fridge water wearing only a Speedo. But I suppose the most challenging part is persevering through fatigue and discomfort,” he says.
“The challenge is the attraction,” he adds.
Highlights or special moments are always a given with these kind of open water endeavours. Howard points out his encounters with wondrous sea life including dolphins, whales, seals, sunfish and jellyfish during these swims as some of the most memorable moments.
He sums up his latest record-setting swim which he completed in 2 hours and 36 minutes. “It’s been an incredible journey. Every crossing was a challenge presented with variable conditions and sea temperatures. There were times when I wasn’t sure how I would get through it, and other times I wished it wouldn’t end. Overall, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The SPCA thanked every person who contributed towards Howards Swim4Survival challenge 2024.
Apart from this latest accomplishment, Howard’s other achievements include crossing the English Channel, conquering 8 Ironman triathlons, running 6 Comrades marathons, participating in 26 Cape Town Cycle Tours, and completing an impressive tally of 64 marathons and 243 half marathons.
You can still support this cause at capespca.co.za/get-involved/team-spca/swim4survival-2024/
