Cape Town woman clarifies viral sea foam video: 'I felt like a mermaid in a bubble bath'

IOL News

29-07-2025

Michelle Sky Hayward's video of herself enjoying a swim in the ocean has gone viral.
Image: Screenshot / Instgram
When Michelle Sky Hayward shared a video of herself having the time of her life swimming in the ocean, she had no idea it would make headlines around the world.
In the now-viral clip, the Capetonian is seen frolicking in foamy waters, even blowing bubbles in what many at the time assumed was 'sewage water.'
Since the video spread online, Hayward has been flooded with questions about the incident.
Stunned by the reaction, she posted a follow-up video to address some of the concerns.
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She began by clarifying that she's not an American tourist but a local who swims in the ocean at least once a week.
Naturally, people were concerned about her health. But Hayward reassured viewers she didn't get sick.
'If anything, maybe it even boosted my immune system, because I've been feeling great ever since,' she said.
While she admitted the water appeared murkier than usual, she noted there was no bad smell that might have put her off swimming.
She did, however, point out the unusually large amount of foam.
'Honestly, I loved the foam. I loved it! I felt like I was in a bubble bath. It was so cool. I felt like I was a mermaid in a bubble bath,' she said.
The slightly warmer water made the experience even more enjoyable.
'I was having the time of my life. I spent so much time there,' she added.
Though many assumed she was swimming in sewage, the City of Cape Town has dismissed those claims.
'Claims that the sea foam at Blaauwberg beach and surrounds in Cape Town is a result of sewage or pollution are incorrect,' they said in a statement. 'Water quality samples taken at Big Bay, Small Bay and Table View over the past 12 months showed excellent results.'
They added that sea foam is a natural phenomenon caused by ocean activity, especially strong wave action along the city's exposed coastline.
Marine scientist Dr Barry Clark explained in a separate video that the foam, along with murky water, was likely due to waves hitting kelp, breaking it down into particles that mixed with other organic material.
IOL Lifestyle