josef wagner

I did it — in all weather and in water temperatures ranging from 9 to 11 degrees throughout August.
I love supporting my health and immune system, and I will continue to do so.
Thank you all so much for your support.

Dear Supporters,

Today I swam in memory of a very special friend who sadly passed away just four days ago at the age of 51 from prostate cancer. He was diagnosed three years ago and fought bravely until the very last moments, determined not to leave his wife and two children (aged 14 and 10) behind.

Despite his courage, the aggressiveness of the cancer took him from us far too soon. My dear friend Michi—may you rest in peace forever.

Today was just a fabulous day at the beach. The water was chilly, of course, but the warmth of the sun on my head more than made up for it. I even spent a record-breaking 25 minutes in the water — my longest time yet in temperatures below 10 degrees. It felt like such an achievement. And yet, when I think about it, my little challenge pales in comparison to the immense strength it takes for someone to fight cancer.

Hello,

Today, Saturday the 16th of August, I went for a mid-morning swim. It was a chilly yet sunny morning at 9:30 a.m. The water was the coldest I’ve experienced so far — a refreshing 9 °C.

Surprisingly, there were about a dozen people in the water, most wearing wetsuits. But for me, only toughness survives — so no wetsuit for me!

If so many people can fight and survive cancer, I can certainly survive a chilly 9 °C ocean swim. It’s nothing compared to the courage needed for a cancer battle.

Let’s keep fighting and keep donating to this wonderful Cancer Council.

Dear Friends,

Today has been the best day of August so far. The sun was shining, the water was cold, and that bit of sunshine gave me such a boost that I went for a 20-minute swim!

It’s truly amazing how much longer you can swim in cold water when you're floating on your back and feeling the warm sun on your face. The water wasn’t exactly ice cold—still around 10 degrees—but that contrast made all the difference.

And I’m doing it all for a wonderful cause: raising money for cancer research.

Thank you for your support!

Dear Friends,

Today, Friday the 8th of August, was a bit of a chilly day here in Melbourne. I didn’t see much sun at Williamstown Beach, but to my delight, a lovely little dog joined me for the first few seconds as I dove into the 10.4°C refreshing (read: bloody cold) ocean.

As always, I enjoyed every minute — well, at least after the first five minutes, once my body had adjusted. All worth it for this wonderful cause.

Today, Tuesday the 5th of August, was a wonderful day at Williamstown Beach. The air temperature was 16 degrees, and the water a chilly 10 degrees. The sun came out, warming me up after my third swim — which, as always, I thoroughly enjoyed. At least after the first five minutes, when my body adjusted to the freshness!

"Today has been a wonderfully sunny day in Melbourne, and I took my second dip in the chilly ocean at Williamstown Beach. I don’t usually go in two days in a row, but for this wonderful cause, I made an exception."

Today was a beautiful day at Williamstown Beach, and I had my first swim for my Cancer Council fundraising.

The water was beautifully warm—just kidding, it was 10 degrees! But after about five minutes, my body adjusted and started to feel warm again. Time seemed to stop, and all my worries, stress, and doubts disappeared.

It was an absolutely fabulous sensation.

Aside from the hour of shivering once I got out into the chilly air, it was the best thing I’ve done in a long time—not to mention all the fantastic health benefits that come with it.

Today was a beautiful day at Williamstown Beach, and I had my first swim for my Cancer Council fundraising.

The water was beautifully warm—just kidding, it was 10 degrees! But after about five minutes, my body adjusted and started to feel warm again. Time seemed to stop, and all my worries, stress, and doubts disappeared.

It was an absolutely fabulous sensation.

Aside from the hour of shivering once I got out into the chilly air, it was the best thing I’ve done in a long time—not to mention all the fantastic health benefits that come with it.

Hello friends,

I'm Josef, and after 20 wonderful years in Melbourne, I’ve decided not to end my annual tradition of swimming at beautiful Williamstown Beach after Easter. This year, I kept going right through to the end of June—until the water temperature dipped to a chilly 11.7°C!

After a three-week holiday in Europe, I had planned to take a break and resume swimming in September when the sea gets a bit warmer. But plans have changed. Inspired by the Daffodil Day Foundation, I’ve decided—for the first time in two decades—to keep swimming through August and beyond.

What better motivation than supporting the incredible work of the Cancer Council?

I’m planning my first swim of this new challenge on Friday, August 1st around noon. If you’d like to join me, meet me at The Kiosk d’Asporto at midday. I’ll be the one in the bright blue shorts!

Hope to see you there.

— Josef