{"id":282653,"date":"2025-10-23T16:23:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T14:23:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/?p=282653"},"modified":"2025-10-23T16:24:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T14:24:55","slug":"south-african-swimmer-makes-waves-across-lake-geneva-for-water-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/south-african-swimmer-makes-waves-across-lake-geneva-for-water-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"South African swimmer makes waves across Lake Geneva for water safety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

South African-born Fran\u00e7ois Bonnici has always felt at home in the water. Growing up in Cape Town, he was a surfer first, braving the cold Atlantic. But when the waves were still, Fran\u00e7ois discovered open water swimming. Since then, he\u2019s taken on iconic swims \u2013 completing the crossing from Robben Island to Cape Town solo once and again as part of a relay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life later took him to Geneva, where Lake Geneva’s still, glacial expanse replaced the waves he so loved. It was there that Fran\u00e7ois strengthened his love for open water swimming and, most recently, became part of a team that made history while raising vital funds for water safety in South Africa and Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last month, Fran\u00e7ois and five teammates achieved what no one had before: a two-way relay swim across Lake Geneva, swimming 144 kilometres over 50 hours and 37 minutes. Starting at Ch\u00e2teau de Chillon near Montreux, the team swam day and night, contending with sudden storms, shifting currents, rain, and exhaustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flying the SA flag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fran\u00e7ois Bonnici is flying the flag for the NSRI at Lake Geneva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe first leg was glorious \u2013 sunshine and calm water,\u201d Fran\u00e7ois recalls. \u201cBut on the way back, the lake showed its teeth.\u201d Against the odds, the team pressed on, spurred by a shared mission to raise awareness and funds for drowning prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Fran\u00e7ois, that mission was deeply personal. \u201cBeing a doctor, I saw quite a few cases of drowning, and being a surfer, I actually was involved in quite a few rescues,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s a very scary thing, and something so preventable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Worldwide challenge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Drowning claims an estimated 300 000 lives worldwide every year. For Fran\u00e7ois, supporting the NSRI was a natural choice. \u201cThe NSRI are one of the best organisations in the world, identified by the World Health Organisation as really having effective programmes,\u201d he explains. \u201cIt\u2019s something that\u2019s certainly close to me, having the personal experiences.\u201d Beyond fundraising, Fran\u00e7ois also supports the NSRI as a regular monthly donor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relay was more than just a physical challenge. It was an exercise in teamwork, trust, and friendship. \u201cWith this team I\u2019d go almost anywhere, to the ends of the earth \u2013 we would support each other,\u201d Fran\u00e7ois says. He adds that there are \u201cmany reasons\u201d to be part of the swim this year. \u201cTo do a world first challenge is such an exciting opportunity, and to raise funds for the NSRI.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fundraising<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Together, the six swimmers \u2013 Fran\u00e7ois, Alex Seeger (Germany), D\u00f3ra S\u00e1ri (Hungary), Katie Glass (Canada), Kate Norton (UK), and Jonny Singh (UK) \u2013 not only conquered the lake but also exceeded their fundraising goal of CHF 10,000 (about R 220,000). Half of the money went to the NSRI, and half to Swiss organisations working in drowning prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking back, Fran\u00e7ois reflects on what drives him into cold, challenging waters time and again. \u201cMy heart is always in the Atlantic Ocean,\u201d he says with a smile. \u201cBut since moving to Switzerland, exploring the lakes here has been extraordinary. Swimming is something we all enjoy \u2013 and we hope everyone can also have the experience and skills to enjoy the water the way we do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through courage, endurance, and community, Fran\u00e7ois and his team proved that ordinary people can do extraordinary things \u2013 and in the process, they\u2019ve given others the chance to be safer in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Fiv<\/a>e-year-old\u2019s death highlights national water safety emergency<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Fran\u00e7ois Bonnici and his team achieved a historic two-way relay swim across Lake Geneva, raising awareness and funds for drowning 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