South African swimmer completes historic two-way relay across Lake Geneva for good cause

South African-born François Bonnici and five teammates have made history by becoming the first to complete a two-way relay swim across Lake Geneva, covering 144 kilometres in just over 50 hours, to raise funds for water safety in South Africa and Switzerland.

Together, the six swimmers – Bonnici, Alex Seeger (Germany), Dóra Sári (Hungary), Katie Glass (Canada), Kate Norton (UK), and Jonny Singh (UK) – not only conquered the lake but also exceeded their fundraising goal of CHF 10 000 (about R220 000). Half of the money went to the NSRI, and half to Swiss organisations working in drowning prevention.

“The first leg was glorious – sunshine and calm water. But on the way back, the lake showed its teeth,” Bonnici said. 

“My heart is always in the Atlantic Ocean. But since moving to Switzerland, exploring the lakes here has been extraordinary. Swimming is something we all enjoy – and we hope everyone can also have the experience and skills to enjoy the water the way we do.”

Growing up in Cape Town, he was a surfer first, braving the cold Atlantic. But when the waves were still, François discovered open water swimming. Since then, he’s taken on iconic swims – completing the crossing from Robben Island to Cape Town solo once and again as part of a relay.

On why he wanted to raise funds for water safety he said: “Being a doctor, I saw quite a few cases of drowning, and being a surfer, I actually was involved in quite a few rescues. It’s a very scary thing, and something so preventable.”

Beyond fundraising, François also supports the NSRI as a regular monthly donor.

“The NSRI are one of the best organisations in the world, identified by the World Health Organisation as really having effective programmes. It’s something that’s certainly close to me, having the personal experiences.” 

The relay was more than just a physical challenge. It was an exercise in teamwork, trust, and friendship. “With this team I’d go almost anywhere, to the ends of the earth – we would support each other,” François says. He adds that there are “many reasons” to be part of the swim this year. “To do a world first challenge is such an exciting opportunity, and to raise funds for the NSRI.”

Cape Times