World record swimmer Howard Warrington braves icy False Bay waters during his charity swim from Miller’s Point, raising nearly R65 000 for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s animal sterilisation drive despite being forced to end the attempt early. World record endurance swimmer Howard Warrington braved freezing waters, jellyfish stings and worsening conditions in False Bay on Tuesday in a gruelling charity swim aimed at boosting animal welfare in Cape Town. Warrington, who holds the Guinness World Record for the most Robben Island crossings, took on the False Bay Crossing from Miller’s Point to Rooi Els, a 33km route widely regarded as South Africa’s toughest open-water swim.
The crossing, comparable in distance to the English Channel but considered more technically demanding due to unpredictable currents and weather, was undertaken to raise funds for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and its expanded animal sterilisation drive. Entering the water early on Tuesday morning, Warrington faced temperatures of just over 18°C, which steadily dropped to around 14.6°C as the day progressed. Jellyfish stings set in within the first few kilometres, while prolonged exposure led to increasing cold and severe cramping.
Swimming only in a speedo, Warrington endured seven punishing hours before making the decision to end the attempt for safety reasons. “Warm water brings jellyfish; cold water brings different challenges. I will take whatever comes my way,” he said ahead of the swim.
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