Olympians set new British relay record in English Channel for RLSS UK
Six British Olympians and elite open water swimmers have smashed the English Channel relay British record, completing the crossing in 6 hours 55 minutes – just three minutes short of the world record – to raise funds for RLSS UK.
On 22 September, the British National Team, consisting of six Olympians and elite open water swimmers, took on the English Channel relay world record, which has stood at 6 hours and 52 minutes for 36 years, to raise funds for the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK’s) water safety education programmes for children.
Each of the 33 kilometres swum, and every pound donated helps RLSS UK deliver essential water safety education to children, support volunteers, and equip more people with the skills and knowledge to enjoy water safely.
The challenge started at Shakespeare Beach, near Dover, with double British open water Olympian Hector Pardoe taking on the first hour in the sea, charging through jellyfish-riddled 18°C waters.
A smooth handover was given to George Taplin, Lake Windermere world record holder, who kept the remarkable and swift pace of 1:07 per 100m.
Next up was Tobias Robinson, British open water Olympian, who took the team into the third hour with a great show of strength and stamina to the halfway mark.
Dan Jervis, double British Olympian and double Commonwealth Games medallist, took on the fourth leg and roared through the Channel. Despite losing his swim cap, Jervis powered through and delivered a great distance in his hour.
Tom Dean MBE, RLSS UK Ambassador, triple Olympic gold medallist and England’s most decorated Commonwealth athlete was next off the boat, after a seamless changeover. With 4 hours and 45 minutes on the clock, France was in sight.
Dean handed the swim to British Champion Josh Gammon, the sixth into the Straight of Dover, and another fast hour of swimming.
The team pulled ahead of all other Channel swimmers and boats, and with the French coast well within sight, Pardoe was ready to tackle another swim for the team.
The incoming tide proved strong, but Pardoe slashed through more jellyfish towards Cap Gris Nez, France, reaching shore in an incredible 6 hours 55 minutes, setting a new British record by 22 minutes and finishing just 3 minutes shy of the relay world record.
Emma Carter, RLSS UK’s Director of Income Generation and Engagement, said:
“We are proud of the British National Team on their tremendous effort when faced with difficult conditions in the English Channel. We also thank them taking on this open water challenge and helping RLSS UK reach even more young people with vital water safety awareness and life-saving skills, giving them the knowledge and confidence to stay safe in and around water for years to come. Congratulations on breaking the British record and coming so close to the world record. The positive impact of the team’s efforts is a worthy legacy.”
Donations are still open to raise funds for the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK’s) water safety education programmes for children: rlss.org.uk/donate/back-the-swim-break-the-record-save-lives
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