Cape Town schoolgirls brave dark and icy waters with jellyfish to raise funds for turtles – WATCH

Students from a Grade 5 (u11) class in South Africa have braved dark and icy waters to raise over R30,000 for turtles at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. Their awesome teacher, Vicky Hyland, completed a Robben Island crossing whilst accompanying 13 of her students who took turns in a relay!

Mrs Hyland, an avid open water swimmer, and her Grade 5 students are from St Cyprian’s School in Oranjezicht in the Western Cape.

“They powered through dark and icy waters,” says Kathryn Nurse from FUNdamental Swimming.

“They took turns being strong for one another and rose up for girl power!”

“They were stung by jellyfish and were joined by seals. They took turns being strong for one another and rose up for girl power! They finished the crossing in two hours and 32 minutes (about 1.5 hours faster than we expected)!”

Kathryn is the girls’ swimming coach, and was there as support; but says it was Mrs Hyland who organised the incredible swim.

“Congratulations to Mrs Hyland for being the type of teacher who not only believes in her students, but creates opportunities for them to be challenged and to grow. Big thank you to Derrick (from Big Bay Events) and team for the safety and support ???”

WATCH St Cyprian’s schoolgirls Robben Island relay swim to raise funds for turtles

VIDEO BY: Michelle Petring from Big Bay Events