In recent times, there has been an increase in awareness about the volume of plastic waste being generated by our communities, where we seem to be living in an era of "disposability" with the rise and rise of single-use plastics such as packaging, drink receptacles, bags, tools, labels etc. Although convenient, plastic can have several negative effects on the environment; admittedly, a significant amount of plastic waste ends up in our seas, thereby affecting the marine environment and the ecosystems therein.
The aim of the Round Malta Swim 2018 is therefore to raise awareness about the plastic waste which ends up in the sea, and to encourage the general public to reduce waste wherever possible as well as collect any waste they might encounter, particularly on the beaches and in the sea.
The three swimmers taking part in this challenge, Neil Agius, Richard Zerafa, and Gilbert Bartolo, will start swimming from Marfa, Mellieha on Friday 20th July at 6pm. Swimming clockwise around Malta, the swim will cover a distance of around 70km and is expected to take around 24 hours to complete, whereby the swimmers will also be swimming throughout the night. The swimmers, who will be accompanied by escort boats as well as medical assistance by the Emergency Response and Rescue Corps throughout the whole journey, will be stopping for short breaks every half an hour to sip water and eat small portions of food to sustain them throughout this arduous feat.
The team behind the Round Malta Swim 2018 have also teamed up with NGOs "Żibel" and "Mindful Warriors", who are organizing two beach clean-ups on the 21st and 28th July respectively. Żibel will be organizing a coastal and dive clean-up at Mistra Bay, whereas Mindful Warriors will be taking care of the beach at Wilga Street, Paceville. The public is invited to join in these clean-ups to show their support towards the Round Malta Swim and also, to these voluntary NGOs.
The public is also being encouraged to collect three pieces of plastic trash from wherever one might find them, take a photo and post it on the Round Malta Swim 2018 Facebook page using the hashtag #waveofchange.
This event is being supported by Zanzi Homes, Quicklets and the QLZH Foundation, as well Nyoo Destination Wellness, Saracino's and Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club. More information can be found on the Facebook page of the swim, facebook.com/roundmaltaswim2018