In an attempt to break a Guinness Book World Record, Rotary Clubs of Jeffreys Bay and St Francis participated in the global Rotary Swimarathon yesterday.
The record attempt was to have the most people swimming at the same time anywhere in the world. The two town’s events, held between 2-3 pm, raised more than R3500 which goes to Rotary International’s End Polio Now Campaign. Of this amount St Francis Bay’s participants raised R1380.
Jeffreys Bay Rotarians held their event at the town’s gym while their St Francis counterparts held their event at the old hotel pool. A total of 38 entrants in Jeffreys Bay completed the required non-stop 100 metres while the St Francis entrants to complete the distance totalled 46.
Swimmers of all ages and abilities took part. The youngest entrant on the day was five year-old Noah de Swardt of JBay. St Francis Bay’s youngest swimmer was Jessica Brown, 8 years-old.
According to president of St Francis satellite Rotary club, Tracy de Jager, children from different schools were represented. Jeffreys Bay president, Salomien de Klerk, said the club was considering making the Swimarathon an annual event.
“Everyone was excited to be part of a world record attempt. I am pleased both events qualified for the international count,” de Klerk said.
JBay Rotarians partnered with JBay Swim and St Francis Rotarians partnered with St Francis Sport and EarlyAct.
The sunny weather added to the success of the event. Swim coach, Carol Horlock, was at the pool side throughout the event to assist anyone in difficulty.
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