On the second Saturday of October, something magical happens across South Africa. From the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, and deep into the heart of the country — across dams, lakes, rivers, and pools — thousands of women quietly gather before sunrise, drawn by curiosity, courage, and connection. 

The location? A secret, revealed only the night before. 
The event? The Secret Swim — a nationwide celebration of community, kindness, and courage in aid of breast cancer awareness.

Now in its seventh year, the Secret Swim has grown from a small gathering at Clifton Beach into a powerful national movement. This year, 18 venues and 1,850 women took part. Some came as survivors, others as supporters — all united by one simple truth: we are stronger together.

We Arrived as Strangers

We arrived, all a little apprehensive, a bit shy — wondering, what actually happens at a swim? 
Well, as women, that didn’t last long. Within minutes, it sounded like a gaggle of geese — chatter, laughter, and warmth filling the morning air. 

Everyone helped one another apply ILoveBoobies tattoos, fix swimming caps, and add a touch of pink flair. It became more than just getting ready — it was a chance to connect, to belong, to meet new friends who somehow already felt familiar. 

At 8am sharp, each hostess shared the ILoveBoobies story — why we swim, and who we swim for. Then, we did something rare: we all put our phones away. 

For a few precious moments, there were no screens, no distractions — just stillness. And that’s when something truly beautiful happened — we connected. 

We became mindful of our own journeys, and of each other’s. We wrote names and messages on stones and shells — or in the inland venues, on pebbles gathered from the water’s edge — to honour the women we came to celebrate: mothers, sisters, friends, and daughters. 

We stripped away the layers of pain and found joy in shared survival, honouring those who have passed and those still fighting. In that moment, surrounded by water and women, we remembered that healing doesn’t always happen in hospitals — sometimes, it happens in the ocean, a dam, or a pool under the morning sun.

A Moment to Just Be

The Secret Swim offers a pause in a world that moves too fast. It’s not about how far you swim or how fast you go — it’s about showing up, for yourself and for others. It’s about the gentle act of being present — of breathing, floating, and remembering that we are never alone.

Held Together by Heart

Each Secret Swim is hosted by women who volunteer their time, energy, and creativity to make the experience meaningful. 
From mountain dams to tidal pools, every venue has its own magic — and every hostess adds her own warmth. Together, they create a safe and welcoming space where women can show up exactly as they are — no expectations, no judgment, just open hearts. 

From sunrise swims to post-swim tea and laughter, every detail is crafted with care. It’s a living reminder that kindness, community, and compassion can heal more deeply than we realise.

Why We Swim

Every Secret Swim supports ILoveBoobies’ free breast cancer screening programme, providing education, clinical exams, and diagnostic referrals to women in underserved communities across South Africa. 

Every splash, every smile, every shared story directly funds early detection — because early detection saves lives.

A Movement Making Waves

What began as one secret beach has become a national phenomenon — and it’s still growing. The dream is bold: to set a world record for the largest synchronised women’s swim. 

But beyond records and numbers, it’s about something far greater — connection, compassion, and the collective power of women standing together for change.

Join the Movement

So, will you be there next October? 
Bring your towel, your courage, and your heart. 
Join us for the next Secret Swim — in the ocean, at a dam, or in your local pool — where every ripple matters, every woman belongs, and every stroke tells a story of hope.