ONIKA MULLER
Well-known East London swimmer Mike Godfrey, an ex-Navy diver and petty officer, recently decided to take a daring swim across the entrance of East London Harbour, in memory of his good friend and mentor, Melvin Kumm, but also as a skipper training exercise of lifeguard Siya Matsheza for Fire and Sea Rescue.
Having years of diving experience supervising diving expeditions in many different kinds of waters, including heavily shark-infested ones, such as the harbour area, made his audacious swim easy for him to complete.
Godfrey, 69, told the Go that he ensured that all the safety measures were in place and that he was safe and protected during the entire time in the water.
“I did not go from the Western Wall but just before it.
“The swim was mildly spontaneous, but still safe with two people on rubber ducks and Siya on standby,” Godfrey said.
Godfrey has years of lifesaving experience and diving experience and has a deep love for the ocean.
“I was taught to swim in the ocean at the Orient by my grandfather.”
Between the ages of 15-16, Godfrey became a lifeguard at Nahoon, where he rescued many people.
“Another lifeguard and I managed to save three boys from drowning.”
Godfrey said he later joined the Navy diving squad and overtime became a petty officer.
This formed his knowledge on diving and swimming in the ocean and heavily shark infested waters.
“I have dived in Madagascar, Cape Point and many other places with different shark risk levels.”
Godfrey was mentored by his friend, Kumm and they would constantly banter about swimming.
He said Kumm had always wanted to swim across the harbour entrance but he unfortunately passed away before he could.
Godfrey took on the challenge in honour of his dear friend.
“I would like to do a proper swim in honour of Melvin with all the Orient swimmers.”
Godfrey was grateful for the opportunity and all the people involved and the chance to give Matsheza the experience.
“Even if Siya wasn’t training there, there still would’ve been safety measures put in place.”
His friends from Australia and England have applauded him for what he has done.
Godfrey has said that he wouldn’t do the swim again but enjoyed the swim.
“If you know the water and you know you are fit enough then do the thing you want to do,” Godfrey said.
“Just be safe.”
