Organisers of the aQuellé Midmar Mile confirmed that a 63-year-old female participant died after suffering a cardiac arrest during Sunday’s open-water event at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to a statement released on Sunday, the swimmer experienced medical distress while in the water. A fellow participant alerted rescue and safety personnel, who responded immediately.
Event medical teams found the swimmer in full cardiac arrest and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the water before bringing her to shore. She was handed over to ER24 medics and on-site doctors, who continued resuscitation efforts.
Despite sustained attempts to revive her at the scene, the swimmer remained in cardiac arrest and was transported to the nearby Life Hilton Hospital. Resuscitation efforts continued there but were ultimately unsuccessful.
Organisers said the aQuellé Midmar Mile’s comprehensive water safety and medical response teams were activated in line with established emergency protocols.
“The safety of all participants remains the foremost priority of the event,” the statement read.
The organisers extended their condolences to the swimmer’s family, friends and loved ones during what they described as an extremely difficult time. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further personal details will be released.
The aQuellé Midmar Mile community, one of the largest open-water swimming gatherings in the world, expressed its support for all those affected by the tragic incident.
