Swimmers participate in event to raise awareness of sea pollution - in pictures

Oceans increasingly blighted by litter, climate change activists say

Warm-up exercises are held before each race begins in the Swim for Clean Seas event. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Held this year on Saturday, April 16, it is organised to raise awareness of the need to protect marine life and fight pollution of the oceans

It takes place on the beach of Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

Participants set off for the 800-metre race

For the first time in the event’s history, a 3.2-kilometre race will be among the challenges

Competitors take the plunge for the 3.2-kilometre race

Competitors take the plunge for the 3.2-kilometre race

Swimmers set off for the 800-metre race

Competitors take the plunge for the 3.2-kilometre race

A woman crosses the finish line

Even young children took to the water

The finish line was marked by a big inflatable arch

Another swimmer nears the end point

Kyran Prakash won first place for 800 metres and second place in the 400-metre under-12s category

Jose Carrera took second place in the Veterans male category of the 1,600-metre race

Peter Klohna and Joanne Norman were the first-place winners of the 400-metre race

A man approaches the finish line

Michelle Balmer, a team member, conducts the nurdle hunt

Cristian Ciccioli was the first-place male winner overall

Heleen Coetzee won first place in the open female category of the 1,600-metre race

Dr Sarra Lajnef, OLY, a 2012 Tunisian Olympic-qualified swimmer and Fina athletes Safeguarding Council member

Gabriel Figueroa won first place for both 800 and 400 metres in the under 15 category

Eva Cabezas, first-place winner in female masters category

More from The National:

Egypt's Ramadan lantern-makers struggle to adapt to changing industry

Ramadan 2022 observed around the world - in pictures

Five ways to donate to charity in the UAE this Ramadan

Nine UAE Ramadan staycation deals: from an Abu Dhabi island to a Fujairah retreat

Beirut blast: destroyed police station reopened after reconstruction