Swim for Sharks International

Our Story, how Swim for Sharks started

People may argue that some of the best ideas come to us whilst slurping Gin in the bar on the beach under a beautiful sunset in Koh Tao, Thailand.....this was certainly the case many moons ago in 2010!!

Two friends, and passionate Scuba Divers, Lara and Dan, were chatting about their mutual love of sharks and the worldwide misconception of their behavior and nature. They were frustrated that there was so little in the way of shark awareness, protection and preservation.

The light bulb moment happened when they looked out at Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tao's small sister island from the bar. They decided it would be a great idea if they could swim around the island to raise awareness and money for their shark friends.

Luckily, they were in the right place at the right time, and were surrounded by like minded people who shared their passion for these beautiful creatures. Jim, Dive Centre Manager of of Big Blue Diving, Koh Tao, loved the idea and had the means and desire to make it happen. It was at this point it changed from a couple of friends trying to raise awareness and money for sharks, to a major Island wide community fundraising event.

Before long, this idea between friends had wheels of its own, and the cry was taken up by people all over Koh Tao. There were conservation talks on shark behaviour and conservation efforts, to people making and selling goods to raise money and all manor of fundraising events. Then of course the main event too...the 3.4k swim around Koh Nang Yuan Island!!!

The 1st event was a major success and an amazing time was had by all....

Moving Forward

Swim for Sharks was born, and has been an annual event ever since. It has raised thousands of (£)pounds over the years and promoted shark and marine conservation. It has now grown, and we have successfully taken Swim for Sharks Internationally. In addition to the swim, which is the main event, we also host other fundraising activities, with all donations going to the primary UK Charity, Shark Guardian.Sharks are one of the most important species in the world protecting our oceans. However, millions of sharks are being killed each year from various human related activities and impacts.

Shark Guardian has several active campaigns around the world. These campaigns are often in collaboration with other conservation organisations to help save our sharks and our oceans. The Shark Guardian shark conservation department is responsible for conducting:

• Global shark and marine conservation campaigns
• Leading or supporting shark and marine conservation petitions
• Enforcing conservation through educational programs and scientific research

Swim for Sharks helps fund Shark Guardian and other local conservation projects in education, research, conservation and expeditions. Please feel free to reach out to us, if you would like any further information.

Please also know, that every penny donated to Swim for Sharks, is helping to maintain the delicate balance of our oceans. We are truly humbled and grateful for any donation, large or small and for your continued support.

Thank you from all of us at Swim for Sharks and Shark Guardian.

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Contact us:

• You may wish to read further information here: Facebook Swim for Sharks and here: Shark Guardian
• If you're interested in hosting an event, please contact Swim for Sharks here: Email