Brett Kruse Makes Waves: The 8th Solo Swimmer to Circle Hong Kong Island for Charity!

In an inspiring display of endurance and charity, Brett Kruse has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the eighth individual to complete a solo swim around Hong Kong Island. This intense 45-kilometer journey was not just a personal challenge; it aimed to raise funds for a local charity dedicated to teaching the city’s underprivileged and marginalized communities how to swim.

Kruse emerged triumphant from the water last Friday after an incredible journey lasting over 11 hours and 30 minutes, as confirmed by the Splash Foundation. His efforts have so far raised over HK$60,000, helping the foundation work toward its goal of teaching 30,000 individuals to swim by the year 2030. This comes at a time when access to swimming lessons has become even more critical due to rising concerns about water safety in urban areas.

The endeavor wasn't without its challenges. Kruse faced the elements head-on, having postponed his swim twice last month due to three typhoons and the presence of People’s Liberation Army warships in nearby waters. Yet, he remained undeterred, beginning his swim from Sai Wan, the westernmost district of Hong Kong Island, at 1:15 am on Friday and returning to shore shortly after 1 pm.

Adhering to marathon swim regulations, Kruse swam without a buoy or wetsuit, relying solely on brief liquid feed breaks every 45 minutes. His journey was safeguarded by a canoe and a support boat, with additional support from the Marine Department to ensure he avoided boat traffic.

Upon his return to the Sai Wan Swimming Shed, he was met with a chorus of cheers and whistles from supporters and fellow swimmers, marking the end of a grueling yet exhilarating challenge. Reflecting on the experience, Kruse said, “My longest by a significant margin, and such a cool island. Swimming the harbour at night with the skyline was epic, but the toughest mental section was definitely hours four and five—I just needed daylight to keep pushing ahead.”

The Hong Kong 360 Swim, as it’s known, first took place in November 2017, when Splash Foundation founder Simon Holliday set a then-record time of 12 hours, 34 minutes, raising HK$1.1 million in the process. The current record for a solo swimmer remains at 10 hours and 43 minutes, set by swimmer-turned-singer Alex Fong in 2019.

With Kruse's remarkable achievement bringing renewed attention to water safety and swimming education, the Splash Foundation continues its efforts to help those in need. As the charity grows, so too does the community’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Hong Kong has the opportunity to learn this vital life skill.

Stay tuned for more updates from swimmer-heroes like Brett Kruse as they continue to make waves for change!