Cape Town Dives In for Peace, Diversity & Community Spirit
Despite light rain, the vibes were electric at Battery Park as hundreds gathered to swim, cheer, and celebrate change at the Waterfront Canal Challenge 2025.
From the very first splash, it was clear this wasn’t just another race. Swimmers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities jumped into Cape Town’s scenic canal route — winding from Battery Park, around the island at the One&Only Hotel, and back — not just chasing times, but making a statement for peace, inclusion, and unity.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Waterfront, this is Africa’s only urban timed canal swim, and the only one where every stroke brings communities closer.
“Dive In for Change” — and That’s Exactly What We Did
Electric Vibes at Battery Park Despite Light Rain
The morning kicked off with powerful moments:
- James Vos, from the City of Cape Town, officially opened the event and walked the route, chatting with Rotary volunteers and sponsors alike.
- A touching peace dove release by Captain Mymoena Ismail and Spiro Mitchell sent a hopeful message into the skies.
Africa’s Only Urban Timed Canal Swim Makes Waves
Below:
• Crowd favourites Andre “The Big Positive Guy” and Kevin Abbott had everyone laughing, clapping, and vibing from start to finish✨🌟
And let’s not forget the unstoppable Michelle Weber, who glided her way to another win in the Elite Women’s Mile with sheer grace and grit!
Elite Champions: Michelle Weber & Chad Levey Take Honors
WINNER OF THE ELITE MILE – CHAD LEVEY
Standing proud🏅🌟Chad Levey, winner of the Elite Mile with the Jonathan Yach Shield, in rememberance of this remarkable open water swimmer. Theo was our first WCC Ambassador 7 years ago, who notched up 108 Robben Island crossings, then shortly after our inaugural event in WCC2018 left us, bereft!🙏
FIRST LADY IN THE ELITE MILE, 3RD OVERALL – MICHELLE WEBER
Facebook Post from Michelle:
“An incredible weekend competing at the 7th Waterfront Canal Challenge. It was a blessing being able to do this event and I’m always amazed by the support from Cape Town’s swimming community.
I’m thankful to have won as the first lady in the Elite Mile and third overall 🥇🏊♀️
A big thank you to every sponsor and organizer of the event – without you this wouldn’t be possible. As well as to the Waterfront Rotary who go above and beyond and do all of this for a good cause 🙏
Well done to everyone who swam… each deserving of finishing the 1-mile 👏 I can’t wait for next years event!! 😃🏊♂️🏊♀️
Community Spirit: Volunteers, Sponsors & Swimmers United
Massive Thanks To…
• Our awesome partners: V&A Waterfront, City of Cape Town, One&Only Hotel, Red Bull, Adinga, and Innovocean.
• The volunteers and marshals who braved the rain with huge smiles.
• The swimmers who showed what courage and compassion look like in action.
All our sponsors – without their support we could not have staged this event and generated funds for our community projects🙏👏🌟
Every Stroke Counts: How Funds Transform Lives
All swimmers received medals, but the real reward was knowing their participation helped change lives. Proceeds go straight to Rotary community projects — think education support, youth leadership, food gardens, and economic empowerment for women.
Beneficiaries: Above left – Salesians Institute Youth Projects; Right: Christine Revell Children’s Home, below – the Roxy Foundation.
Save the Date: We’re Diving Back in for 2026!
So What Now?
Now… we dry off, warm up, and get ready for 2026.
Because this wasn’t just an event — it was a reminder that Cape Town thrives when we come together. And that’s when we dive in, together, we rise.
