Cape Town woman who swam in 'sewage': 'Felt like a bubble bath'
The video has made international headlines, appearing in publications like Daily Mail, The Mirror, and India Today.
Last week, Cape Town kitesurfer and influencer Michelle Sky Hayward had South Africans cringing over a video of her swimming at a local beach in Bloubergstrand.
In a viral TikTok video, the blonde woman was seen frolicking in the waves, containing a brownish foam, believed to be 'sewage'.
'This is one of my favourite spots to swim at, it's so beautiful', she said.
With the mystery foam now covering her body and face, she continued: 'It's so warm here, I don't even feel the cold.'
At one point, Michelle swallowed a bit of the murky water. 'I'm having so much fun', she added. @michelleskyhayward
Let me know in the comments! ♬ GRR – Fantomel @michelleskyhayward
Oops 💀 ♬ DIM – Yves
After going viral over the mortifying moment, Michelle Sy Hayward answered questions from concerned followers.
She said of the video, 'I'm not an American tourist…I'm a Cape Town local.'
Of swimming in what was believed to be raw sewage, she said: 'No, I did not get sick. If anything, it boosted my immune system, because I've been feeling great ever since
When asked if she encountered a foul smell, she answered, 'It smelled like how the ocean smells. I did notice that the water was super murky, and it's usually very clear in that spot. There was a lot of foam that I had not seen before. But honestly, I loved the foam! It felt like a bubble bath. I literally felt like a mermaid.' @michelleskyhayward Replying to @in.silent.depths ♬ original sound – Michelle Sky 🇿🇦👨👩👧
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town has shot down claims that the water in Blouberg – as appeared in the viral video – was sewage.
In a video clip, marine scientist Dr Barry Clark claimed that foam, coupled with murky waters, was a result of waves striking kelp, which was broken down into particles mixed with other pollutants.
The city emphasised: 'Seam foam is a 100% natural phenomenon and a part of oceanic processes such as strong wave action from sea storms along Cape Town's exposed coastline.' CORRECTING FAKE NEWS ABOUT SEA FOAM
Claims that the sea foam at Blaauwberg beach and surrounds in Cape Town is a result of sewage or pollution, is INCORRECT. The water quality samples taken at Big Bay, Small Bay and Table View over the past 12 months showed EXCELLENT results according to the Hazen percentile health risk categorisation. FACT: Sea foam is a 100% natural phenomenon, and part of oceanic processes such as strong wave action from sea storms along Cape Town's exposed coastline. Watch this video to learn more. Posted by City of Cape Town on Thursday 24 July 2025
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