At sunrise, before the first light touches Simon’s Town, a group of swimmers wade into the chilly waters at Long Beach. For most people, swimming a mile in the ocean is a daunting feat, but for this group of passionate locals, it’s just the beginning.
This was the start of the Beautiful Five, a grassroots initiative led by local swimmers to complete five ocean swims, each 1,6km, in five of the Cape Metro’s most scenic tidal pools and open water locations, all in a single day. From Simon’s Town to Hout Bay, the group braved everything from freezing waters to jellyfish stings, all for a cause close to their hearts, raising funds for a thriving community garden, Gabriel Road Area Project Association (GRAPA).
Among them was Kerneels Brummer, a tour guide and deli owner from Wynberg, who has been involved in environmental projects for years.
“We always say if you can swim a mile, you can do it again and again. It’s more about the mindset than the muscles,” says Brummer. “What kept us going wasn’t just stamina, it was each other. Once you’re in a group, you inspire each other.”
The swim route included Silvermine Dam, Miller’s Point and a challenging jump off the harbour wall in Hout Bay, where swimmers navigated cold, rough waters far out at sea.
“That Hout Bay swim was the toughest,” Brummer recalls. “But what really stood out was our last swim past the Twelve Apostles Hotel. We were surrounded by huge schools of jellyfish, they sting, and you feel every bit of it. But it was unforgettable.”
One of the most memorable moments came at Oudekraal, where the group completed their final swim under the warm glow of the setting sun.
In total, more than R30 000 was raised through the swim, all of which goes directly to supporting a local community garden project, an initiative where locals grow vegetables to sell and share. The funds have helped to expand the garden with new sheds, water tanks, and, crucially, to pay the salaries of garden workers who maintain compost production and planting cycles.
“People often see us farming and think we’re just selling veggies,” says Brummer. “But this is about food security, dignity, and creating something beautiful for the community.”
Now, the group is setting their sights on a new piece of land near Dan Pienaar Circle and have approached the City in this regard. They’re calling on local residents and volunteers to help develop it into another productive green space.
“We need hands in the soil. It’s not just about food, it’s about creating a peaceful space where the community can gather, learn, and grow together.”
Brummer, who’s been involved with the GRAPA collective since its early days, says initiatives like the Beautiful Five are proof that combining passion with purpose can create waves of change. “I’ve always enjoyed ocean swimming, especially in tidal pools. This was a way to combine something I love with something that matters.”
Whether it’s swimming through jellyfish or turning compost in the garden, for Brummer and his fellow swimmers, it’s clear, this is a movement powered by heart, community, and a deep respect for Cape Town’s natural beauty.
