Champions of Open Water Swimming from southern Africa

11 December 1926 - Cape Times sponsored Gordon's SC men's 2-mile race from the Cape Town Pier.

Open-water swimming can be either competitive races (Midmar Mile) or non-competitive (Robben Island), in bodies of water such as oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, quarries, and even caves, for various reasons, including collecting food, crossing bodies of water while travelling, and recreation and health benefits.  

The human propensity to turn everything into a competition means there are sometimes both competitive and non-competitive versions of the same swims. Some swimmers participate in both. This includes marathon swims across the English Channel and Table Bay. Swims were, and still are, sometimes undertaken for a bet. 

Historically, open-water and marathon swimming were viewed more as spectacles of human endurance than traditional head-to-head racing sports. Because of this, the betting landscape took on a unique shape, moving from self-funded gambles to structured corporate odds. 

Competitive swimming races in open water date back to the mid-19th century in England, when events were held in the River Thames, with races for men and women held over various distances. Historically, sponsored races were also held over much longer distances, including across the English Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar, Catalina Island and Table Bay.

Today the sport is governed by World Aquatics (formerly known as FINA). World Triathlon governs open-water swimming for triathlons. Baithle also uses open water for some competitions. Surf lifesaving features various swimming events in open water.

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list of open-water swimmers from southern Africa. It is also not limited to swims in the region, as notable swims are done in many parts of the world. More information is available from online sources, including the successful English Channel swimmers, Robben Island crossings, and Redhouse River Mile and Midmar Mile winners.