Enthusiastic swimmers took part in the annual Worldwide Aquathon Day at Virgin Active Gym in Quigney, East London on Saturday.
Event organiser Rose Hartzenberg said the sport was aimed at everyone, including children.
“I started looking for ways to get people in the water and get them active, and promote water fitness for all ages,” said Hartzenberg said.
Participants in over more than 77 countries celebrated the day while all Virgin Active gyms in SA opened their doors to eager participants.
Swimming SA OR Tambo District convenor of education development Karen Katz said people don’tdidn’t realise the benefits of water.
“In the district we teach adults how to become comfortable and safe in water, and then teach them how to swim,” Katz said.
With the aquathon, one stands stood upright in the water while doing fitness exercises which are were beneficial in “burning fatty acids”, she added, she said.
The day’s proceeds went towere earmarked for charity, with the Caanan Care Centre and East London SPCA as beneficiaries.
Mike Webb, also known as The Pink Fairy, did an exciting and energising spinning class to also raise funds for the SPCA.
“I was asked to come in and help with spinning and I auctioned off one of my t-shirts,” Webb said.
Hartzenberg said the next worldwide aquathon would take place on November 9 in 2019.
