LOCAL NEWS - The Môreson Mile Open Water Swim at Island Lake in Wilderness is taking place this coming Saturday, 21 February.
This year the annual charity swim returns for its fifth consecutive year, cementing its place as one of the Garden Route’s most meaningful community fundraising events.
It began in 2022 as a modest local swim but has become the primary fundraising event for the Môreson Child and Youth Care Centre in George, with 100% of funds raised going towards the care and development of the children.
This year the Môreson Mile will use an automated time-keeping system, bringing the event in line with larger national open-water swims.
The 2026 event also welcomes a new head sponsor, Vitalvet Animal Medical Center with Dr Awie de Villiers, a Vitalvet veterinarian who has been a regular Môreson Mile swimmer for several years.
To enter click here.
Race categories and times
1 Mile (1.6km) Open Water Swim
Start: 08:00
Ideal for Ironman athletes, competitive swimmers, and open-water enthusiasts.
350m Youth Swim
Start: 09:00
Perfect for young swimmers looking to build confidence in a safe, supervised environment.
Floaties (Fun & Non-Competitive)
Start: 08:30
A relaxed, playful splash event for kids and beginners.
Pre-registration and goody bag collection
To help swimmers avoid race-day queues, pre-registration will take place:
Friday, 20 February 2026
13:00 – 17:45
Vital Vet George Knysna Weg (official 2026 sponsor)
Here you can:
- Collect race packs & goody bags
- Confirm your swimmer details
- Meet the event team
- Get ready for race day with zero stress
Local swim schools and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) play an active role on the day, raising awareness around safe swimming practices.
The event is organised entirely by volunteers and staff from the Môreson Child and Youth Care Centre, which provides a safe, nurturing home for 100 children aged 4 to 18, all placed in care by court order.
From left are Jonathan Britton, NSRI Station 23 Commander, Susan Pretorius, Môreson chairperson and Heinrich Muller of FormScaff. ‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
