Main defends Swartkops swim
IN an attempt to swim all rivers in the Eastern Cape longer than 10km, professional marathon swimmer Kyle Main completed the 16.5km Swartkops River swim at the weekend.
However, Main has come under fire for swimming in the river which is said to be heavily polluted. But he is forging on and plans to swim the Gamtoos River next month.
Although criticised by conservationists and Redhouse River Mile organiser Michael Zoetmulder, Main said: "I am a professional marathon swimmer.
"Of course I knew there were risks, which I addressed with my sports doctor.
"This whole swim was sensationalised. Very silly if you ask me. I have had a massive amount of support.
He said his goal was simple: to swim every river 10km or longer in the Eastern Cape and he was determined to do so.
"The Swartkops was one of them. We took precautions and I never got sick, not even in the slightest."
Main added though that while he did not get sick and took every precaution as a trained athlete, there might be those who could get sick swimming in the polluted river.
Main also plans to complete the 18km swim around the dangerous shark-infested Bird Island in December.