73,77 km in 24-hour swim

Update

GEORGE NEWS - She did it! Jané Botha (17), the youngest crew member of NSRI Station 23 (Wilderness), completed her mammoth 24-hour swim in aid of the NSRI.

Undeterred by the adverse weather, Botha's family was at the poolside with her all the time, as she swam 73,77 km - the distance from George to Sedgefield and back - in Glenwood House's swimming pool over the weekend.

She didn't even get out of the pool to eat - she was given her food while swimming.

Botha decided to tackle this enormous challenge in two sessions of 12 hours each over two days - from 06:00 to 18:00 on Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 October - to raise much-needed funds for the NSRI. Her reason is simple - NSRI has changed her life and she wants to give back.

Throughout the two days she was also joined by fellow NSRI crew, Glenwood House learners and members of the public, all swimming for a minimum of one hour to support her.

The NSRI's life-saving pink rescue buoys were used to track her progress with one buoy put up on a pole for every hour she swam on Saturday and one taken down for every hour she swam on Sunday.

"When my mom started the countdown to my 24-hour swim, the long hours ahead were uncertain. The physical and mental challenges were definitely going to test my limits and endurance, but the second I jumped in the pool, I realised that every stroke I took and every lap I swam was not about my personal achievement, but a symbol of hope and support to those who dedicate years of their lives to the safety of others. It was for this remarkable organisation who is a shining beacon of selflessness and dedication to every community," Botha said.

The brave young swimmer even enjoyed her meals in the pool.

Not even the downpours and stormy weather that continued relentlessly on Saturday deterred this champion. At the end of day one she had reached her halfway mark, completing a staggering 38,7km.

"The first hour I was joined by my dad while mom helped setting up a boerie roll and coffee stand," she smiles. "The first few hours seemed to fly by and I was feeling strong. Nearing the end I was joined by fellow crew members and friends."

With some aches and pains from the previous day's swimming, but with the weather looking more promising on Sunday morning, Botha continued her journey from 06:00 with her supporters cheering her on. "It was a tough day, but I was not alone," she said.

Brave Jané Botha was all smiles as she prepared for the challenge.

Friends, family and members of the NSRI crew supported Jané (left) during her swim.

"It was in this togetherness where I found my strength during the swim and felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. It wasn't about breaking records or achieving personal glory, it was about solidarity and about being a small part of something so much greater than myself. The day was long, but I found a new energy in me with every pink buoy that was taken off its pole. It was extra inspiring swimming next to my station commander Mike Vonk, who is a big inspiration to me and the whole Station 23. He is truly a legend," she said.

Botha, whose efforts have raised a whopping R47 550, says she didn't expect the amazing turn-out and support she received. "I was absolutely speechless to see how this fundraiser and my story spread," she said.

Those who would still like to donate to Botha's endeavour can do so via her GivenGain page. The funds raised will go towards Station 23's solar energy solution, so NSRI Wilderness can operate without worrying about the impact of load shedding this season.

Botha (standing in the middle) with her father Beyers, mom Caren and sisters Marieke, Anica and Rachelle.