Tragedy at Midmar Mile: 63-Year-Old Woman Dies After Cardiac Arrest During KwaZulu-Natal Open-Water Swim

A 63-year-old woman has died after suffering a cardiac arrest during Sunday’s aQuellé Midmar Mile open-water swim at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal, casting a shadow over one of the world’s largest swimming events.

Event organisers confirmed that the participant experienced medical distress while in the water, prompting an immediate response after another swimmer raised the alarm.

Medical personnel reached the woman while she was still in the dam and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation before bringing her to shore, where ER24 paramedics and on-site doctors continued intensive life-saving efforts.

Despite prolonged resuscitation attempts at the scene, the swimmer remained in cardiac arrest and was rushed to Life Hilton Hospital. Further emergency treatment was administered, but she was later pronounced dead.

Organisers said the event’s comprehensive water safety and medical response teams were activated in accordance with established emergency protocols.

“The safety of all participants remains the foremost priority of the event,” the organisers said in a statement.

They extended condolences to the swimmer’s family and loved ones, adding that no further personal details would be released out of respect for their privacy.

The aQuellé Midmar Mile community, one of the largest open-water swimming gatherings globally, also expressed support for all those affected by the tragic incident.

DAILY NEWS