Open-water swimmers to show off their skills at Water Fest @ Klipkopje Dam
Mpumalanga Provincial Swimming will be hosting five open-water swimming items at the Water Fest at Klipkopje Dam outside White River on 7 October, and these are recognised by Swim SA, the controlling body of swimming in South Africa.
“We applied to Swim SA (SSA) for official approval of the event,” says Liezl de Bruyn, Mpumalanga representative for open-water events.
The event is open to any swimmers, and they can compete in a 3km or 5km race, typically for the more experienced swimmers; a 1,5km race that is typically the distance that biathletes and triathletes compete in; and a recreational 100m and 400m event.
“The official SSA event’s times recorded for the 1,5km, 3km and 5km races will be sent to Swimming SA,” she says.

“The open-water course is a 1km loop in front of the spectator area. There will be qualified officials as well as safety officers from Mpumalanga Province Swimming on the dam during the event to ensure safety of all athletes and compliance of the swimming rules. The South African Police Service’s Water Wing will also be in attendance as a safety measure.”
Liezl says although Mpumalanga’s open-water swimming numbers are still small, between 30 and 60 competitors attend their events throughout the season.
“We invite and attract swimmers from Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique, and eSwatini throughout the year and expect their attendance at this festival as well,” she says.

We invite and attract swimmers from Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique, and eSwatini throughout the year and expect their attendance at this festival as well
Liezl de Bruyn, Mpumalanga representative for open-water events.
The open-water swimming national championship is held in Jeffrey’s Bay in March every year and the event comprises a 1,5km, 3km, 5km and 10km as well as relay races.
“There would be anything from 39 to 60 swimmers from Mpumalanga at these big events. The Masters open-water swimming competition was held at Longmere Dam outside White River earlier this year and the oldest participant was in his eighties.”
If you want to enter for any of these events, you can email mpsswim@gmail.com or follow this link.
Tickets to the Water Fest cost R150 for adults and R100 for pensioners or children under 12. There will be VIP parking available at an additional R200 and parking for disabled visitors will be free.
Tickets are available online at www.WaterFest.co.za or at the following outlets: KLCBT Offices at Crossing Centre, Nelspruit; Bondipix, 5b Nelacres Shopping Centre, Nelspruit; KLCBT offices at Casterbridge, White River; and at Klipkopje Dam.
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