Women across South Africa united in support of a single goal on Saturday: to raise funds and awareness for early detection screenings of breast cancer in disadvantaged communities.
Whilst 1,850 women gathered at 18 secret locations across the country, 117 local women in Nelson Mandela Bay participated in an early morning dip on Saturday, 11 October.
The registration cost R200 per person, with proceeds going towards pre-screening for cancer in underprivileged communities.
Marguerite Smit, from Awehness Travel, who organised the event in conjunction with ILoveBoobies, explained the initiative’s background.
“The ILoveBoobies organisation has been hosting the swim, which first started on a beach in Cape Town eight years ago,” she said. “This year they were trying to reach women across South Africa to take a dip or swim at a secret location at the same time.”
At the women-only event, mothers, daughters and grandmothers could share their stories in a supportive environment.
“Some get very excited and remove their tops, so that they can feel free and in a safe space with other women to share the trauma they have been through. Whether they have lost someone to cancer or are currently fighting cancer, it was an amazing experience. The women showed strong community support,” Smit added.
The location of the swim remained secret until the night before the event to ensure privacy and safety.
“We had an amazing crew of water support, which included Coastal Water Rescue, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and Kings Beach Lifesaving Club. We hope to have more participants next year,” she concluded.
