In memory of Naomi Crowder

Just days before she was taken ill, Naomi told a friend that one of the best days of her life was swimming the length of Coniston, aged 83. Rachel and Daniel Crowder pay beautiful tribute to their mother, Naomi Crowder, who passed away in August

Our incredible mum peacefully passed away on 26 August 2023. This is her swim story.

Naomi Crowder was born in 1936 and swam in many galas in her beloved Yorkshire, following in her father Leonard’s footsteps. He swam every day in the year before he passed.

Mum encouraged us to swim from a young age. I was thrown in a swimming pool while visiting family in Miami as a baby.

Mum worked for British Telecom and swam in BT galas throughout our childhood, placing myself and Daniel into events too. We thought she’d fall in the water as she cheered us on with great enthusiasm!

Mum’s open water journey started in 2006 in New Zealand. I entered her in the NZ master’s games for her 70th birthday even though she hadn’t swum competitively for many years. Mum loved every minute of it! She watched me swim an open water race and said she’d like to try it. So I entered her into a 1km swim at Lyttleton Bay near Christchurch. She did so well and even won a prize. Mum was hooked!

She attended eight NZ master’s games and also swam in river races. She then joined an open water swimming group at Harthill in England. She absolutely loved her swims with the friends she made there.

She swam throughout winters and helped Ice Milers with their challenges, shouting as loud as she could!

Mum swam in 15 Great Swim races starting in 2010 and loved each one. A wonderful achievement I think you’ll agree.

Alongside Daniel, Mum helped raise money for a charity he volunteers for, The Samaritans. This took place during the pandemic – they swam a mile in Tooting Bec Lido in London (see photo above).

Just days before taking ill she told a friend that one of the best days of her life was swimming the full length of Lake Coniston in 2019 age 83. She inspired many people around the world. Her open water swimming family are devastated and have planned a memorial swim.

We’re so proud of all your swimming achievements Mum and will swim in memory of you around the world. We know you will be swimming alongside of us all.

Rest in peace Mum.

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