With October marked around the globe as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, local breast cancer charity ILoveBoobies is making waves with the return of its hugely popular Secret Swim.
Now in its eighth year, the Secret Swim has grown from a small gathering in Cape Town into a nationwide movement. The 2025 edition will take place on Saturday, 11 October 2025, at 18 secret swim venues across South Africa.
The Secret Swim is not a race, but rather an intentional gathering of women coming together for connection, courage, and community. At each event, women of all ages gather at sunrise to celebrate breast cancer survivors, remember those lost, and support those still fighting the disease.
This year’s event spans locations from Upington to East London, with swims hosted in oceans, dams, and pools. It is a unique moment of unity, designed to shine a light on breast cancer awareness while raising critical funds for women in need.
In addition to being a moment of unity, the Secret Swim is also a crucial fundraiser.
Proceeds from the Swims, which have an entry fee of R200, directly support ILoveBoobies’ mission: to create awareness, educate women on how to self-examine, and provide free breast cancer screenings to women from underserved communities across South Africa.
“Our vision is to take the Secret Swim global and create a Guinness World Record for the largest breast cancer awareness event held simultaneously across multiple venues worldwide,” says Nicky Webb, Director of ILoveBoobies. “Think of New Year’s Eve when the clock strikes midnight – that kind of global energy, but channelled into hope, unity, and change.”
Here's how the ILoveBoobies Secret Swim works:
Sign up and register
Visit and select your location. In Cape Town, swims will be held on the Atlantic Seaboard, False Bay, Blouberg and Helderberg region. The exact location pin will be sent to you via email and SMS at 23:59 on Friday, 10 October 2025.
Who can participate?
This is a women’s-only event for women of all ages. Entry fee is R200 per participant.
What to expect on the day
07:30: Registration, temporary tattoos & pre-swim selfies
07:45: Welcome talk & safety briefing
07:50: Optional topless (from behind) group photo
08:00: Dip, swim, or bop — your choice!
Afterwards, stay for a picnic and enjoy the good vibes.
Do I have to be a strong swimmer?
Not at all. Even a quick dip counts. This is not a competitive event. It’s about connection, not competition.
What safety measures will be in place?
Female lifeguards will be on duty, and bag-watchers will keep your belongings safe.
Each gathering has a strict no-cellphone policy. Once the event begins, all phones are put away to protect privacy.
Dress code?
Swim suits to start. But for those who feel comfortable, there is the option to swim topless in a symbolic act of freedom and solidarity. As part of the ritual, one powerful photograph is taken from behind with tops down, capturing the unity of the group without compromising anyone’s dignity.
Or take a dip on your own in one of Cape Town's best tidal pools!
Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!
TIME OUT RECOMMENDS:
😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town
🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town
🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town
🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town
🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town
📍 The best things to do in Cape Town