On Saturday (24 June), a 58-year-old endurance swimmer from Somerset West became the first person to complete 150 Robben Island crossings.
Howard Warrington completed this feat after he did his 133rd crossing 88 days ago on Tuesday 28 March. He is still only the fourth person in the world to swim from Blouberg to the island 100 times and has also raised more than R100 000 in aid of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA (“Historic open-water swim crusade to aid furry friends,” DistrictMail& Helderberg Gazette, 7 April 2022).
“My 149th swim on Thursday 22 June was extremely tough. It took me an hour longer than it normally does. The temperature was about 14 °C. My body took a bit of a pounding,” says Warrington.
His 148th crossing was made on Friday 9 June and he says that the 7.4 km between Robben Island and Blouberg is normally a challenge, even for accomplished swimmers.
“This is due to the cold Atlantic Sea temperatures, extremely challenging tides, currents, and sea life,” said Warrington, who swims only in a Speedo and a swimming cap.
As per usual his wife, Elmarie, is his boat skipper and Charl du Plessis, one of his friends, is always his second skipper and observer.
“Each crossing is noted and registered,” Warrington said. “Currently I am the world record holder for the most Robben Island Crossings.
He has managed to raise R44 050 for the Distance For Difference children’s charity.
“The target is to raise R150 000 for D4D, so I will keep swimming until I reach the target,” he concludes. . To donate to this worthy cause, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/Swim4Hope150RIC.
