KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Rotary Splash Festival 2025 got off to a lively and colourful start with Rotary's inaugural Flash Float, which attracted a large and enthusiastic mix of holidaymakers and local residents to the Knysna Lagoon.
On the morning of Tuesday 30 December, the lagoon was transformed into a moving sea of colour as more than 600 participants of all ages floated along on inflatables, carried by the incoming tide.
The float began at the Green Hole on Leisure Isle, with the growing "floatilla" rounding the bend of the lagoon before reaching Bollard Beach about an hour later, having travelled several kilometres.
Safety support was provided by NSRI Knysna, whose canoeists guided drifting participants and assisted those whose inflatables began to deflate.
At the finish point, members of the TS Knysna Sea Cadets managed the shoreline and handed out bottled water sponsored by aQuellé.
Perfect conditions
One of the event organisers, Herb Hunter, said there is always an element of uncertainty when hosting a new outdoor event, but conditions on the day exceeded expectations.
"We were relieved to have perfect weather, with blue skies, beautiful cloud formations over the western head of the estuary and a gentle breeze," he said.
He added that the turnout was far higher than anticipated, and the feedback received on the day and across social media pointed to even greater participation in future years.
Rotary Duck Race
The afternoon programme moved to the Knysna Waterfront, where the much-anticipated Rotary Duck Race took place, offering total prize money of R10 000.
A strong surge in online ticket sales saw ducks sell out well before race day, and large crowds lined the bridge and the channel to watch 1 180 yellow rubber ducks compete in two heats and a final.
As always, the race was closely contested. This year the ducks completed the course in record time, assisted by a gentle push from a boat engine at the starting line.
1 180 yellow rubber ducks are released into the water at the Knysna Waterfront.
Splash Duckmaster Hunter kept spectators entertained with fast-paced commentary, while Rotarian Mario du Toit drew cheers by diving into the channel after each heat to retrieve lagging ducks.
Good cause
Rotarian Butch Coetzee, who was a Splash team member, thanked the community for its support.
"Thank you to everyone who bought tickets, participated with such enthusiasm and made generous donations. All the proceeds go to worthy community projects run and managed by the dedicated members of the Rotary Club of Knysna," he said.
Coetzee also acknowledged the Rotary Club of St Francis Bay for sharing their experience and helping to provide a blueprint for the event.
Proceeds from the event will support Knysna Rotary's safe swimming initiative for local children, as well as other community-based projects.
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