Renate Herberger
Renate Herberger enjoys a spring storm at the Deep Cove Bay entrance at Tatlow Road.
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Renate Herberger’s humble home is tucked away among the trees and Easter lilies in Deep Cove, just a 10 minute walk away from the ocean.
The eclectic space holds colourful photos, carvings, and drums; just a few of the things she has collected over the years. A circular skylight in the center of the living room casts a light blue hue to the space. The colour reminds Herberger of being under the ocean’s surface, a place where she finds herself most comfortable.
“The sea is my sanctuary, my sacred place, my synagogue, my temple,” said Herberger.
After a lifelong passion for swimming, the sport became more therapeutic for Herberger when she underwent meniscus knee surgery in 2005. She still suffers from painful thrombosis and uses swimming as a method of pain relief, and as a way to carry her message of wildlife preservation. On average Herberger swims about 20 kilometres for eight hours each day.
“I’m not a racer. Someone else could do the same length in a faster time, but at 54, I’m no speed bunny.”
She recently returned from Costa Rica where she swam the entire Pacific coast of the country in support of the salvation of marine sanctuaries. After narrowly missing her goal of swimming the coast in 2009, her third attempt proved to be a success, bringing her total swimming distance to 3,040 km.
The expedition was a test of will and determination for the athlete. Funding for boat support has proven to be the biggest issue for Herberger. An incident early in the journey forced Herberger to cancel the day’s swim due to mechanical failure on the way to the start point. Stranded off the coast with no sign of help, she was forced to swim three hours back to shore.
While passing through Santa Rosa Park, Herberger came in close proximity to a crocodile for the first time.
“I noticed there was a rock that appeared out of nowhere. I thought maybe it was a log. Then the log began to move and I saw its eyes. I could not believe it. I don’t think I have ever swum so fast!”
While this past adventure recorded 53 swim days, there were many successes on land as well. Herberger was invited to visit the Costa Rican Supreme Court to share her stand point on marine conservation. She visited schools and also gave numerous workshops throughout her trip.
“The journeys have an enormous affect on people. I give workshops and the message is strong. We have a promise ceremony where I ask people to make immediate adjustments to their lifestyle.”
While she has yet to gain much global, or even Canadian coverage Herberger has become well known in Costa Rica for her work.
“Costa Rica seems to amplify human dreams,” said Herberger.
She hopes that her example will challenge people to reconsider their consumption of unsustainable seafood and that by 2030, 30 per cent of the world’s oceans will become marine sanctuaries.
“Unless there is immediate help put towards these issues we will be in trouble. One person can make a difference. This is what I was put here to do … I am not going to stop this until I drop dead.”
For more information on Renate Herberger’s expeditions find her on the web at www.costaricamermaid.net.
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