Topaz swim buddies make waves

What started as a small WhatsApp group for casual sea swimmers in Bloubergstrand has grown into a thriving coastal community with nearly 450 members, and now, the founder is gearing up for a record-breaking swim to Robben Island.

- TARA ISAACS

Topaz Swim Buddies, founded a year and a half ago, is the brainchild of 79-year-old John Flanigan, also known as CoastalPop, alongside his wife of 58 years, Ann.

“We've built a community of ocean swimmers, from casual dippers to Robben Island veterans who simply wanted to share their love of ocean swimming,” he said.

The group gets its name from the Topaz crystal, known for its cooling properties — a fitting metaphor for the bracing Atlantic waters the swimmers frequent.

“We began with just 50 people. It grew to 100, and now there are over 450 who regularly join in on the fun,” he said.

The group uses WhatsApp messages and polls each day to coordinate swim times and sea conditions for the following day.

While there’s no set schedule, he said that many swimmers meet daily at 5pm on weekdays and at 2pm on weekends and public holidays

“There are no strict rules. People swim at their own pace, on their own terms.

The group consists of people from different age groups and fitness levels,” said Mr Flanigan.