2006 Cross-Mersey Swim

[Wildswimmer]

Hi all,

Anyone fancy tackling the River Mersey in aid of charity?

http://www.liverpoolheartbeat.com/swim.html

Forget claims that the Mersey is filthy - it isn't. Liverpool's seaside resort New Brighton has "Guideline" water quality status i.e. it meets all EU bathing water standards. I've swum in various parts of the estuary for over 20 years and had no health problems whatsoever. The event is held in August so water temp will be at least 16C(61F) but more likely around 20C (68F) or even higher, and that's by my own measurements. Distance? About 1.5 miles between Birkenhead Woodside and Liverpool Pier Head (ish). And of course you'll be in salt water so more bouyancy than in a pool.

Apparently quite a few starters don't make it all the way over and have to hitch a lift in one of the safety boats. This will be my first attempt so I'll probably be one of them. But it's the taking part that's important, and there's always next year!!

Pete

[KatieBun]

My grandmother used to talk about Ernie Warrington doing this. That was a long time ago. She always said she didn't know how anybody could swim in there and it never looked particularly tempting during my childhood. Shame I don't live there any more. I would have been very tempted. Closest I got was dropping my shoe over the side of the ferry and getting shouted at! Best of luck. Hope you make it across.
Welcome to the forums, by the way. If you're swimming the Mersey, you're probably fairly insane, so you should fit in with many of the clientele on here. You could tempt e-fitz, Leprechaun, Prof and FlyingBean if it was cold and miserable enough to cause them real hardship. They swam the channel last summer, since they hadn't anything more arduous booked that particular day. (GettingFaster would probably do it too, as she's completely barking.)

Well, I 've just checked out the website and discovered that our own Big Nev has been hiding at least part of his light under a small haystack. 2002, eh Nev?

[Sw1fty]

ooo i might do that

[GettingFaster]

Welcome to the forums, by the way. If you're swimming the Mersey, you're probably fairly insane, so you should fit in with many of the clientele on here. You could tempt e-fitz, Leprechaun, Prof and FlyingBean if it was cold and miserable enough to cause them real hardship. They swam the channel last summer, since they hadn't anything more arduous booked that particular day. (GettingFaster would probably do it too, as she's completely barking.)


I second the welcome, and agree with all the other sentiments expressed. While admitting to being a bit of a dog meself (woof!), the other four mentioned (as well as several others who know who they are but are too numerous to mention) are just as mad if not madder. In fact, several of them have certificates to prove it! Hope you enjoy the forums and the company of like-minded fruit-cakes. :aarrgghh:

[Leprechaun]

If you're swimming the Mersey, you're probably fairly insane, so you should fit in with many of the clientele on here. Well, I 've just checked out the website and discovered that our own Big Nev has been hiding at least part of his light under a small haystack. 2002, eh Nev?

Its a bit scary if you have to be as tough as Big Nev to do it! There are several sea swims under consideration and planning, and I can think of about 5 at the minute. This is madness, I didnt even swim in the sea for any more than a minute before last years cheap duty free trip to Cap Gris Nez. But will see how the calendar looks. Never say never! Its not the swim but perhaps the logistics of getting up there etc that would be the main issue. Based on our experiences last year I would urge anyone who is more local to give it a go - the charity dimension will make you feel even better afterwards.

[Immy]

well, Leprechaun, your signature says you stick to one-width races - this sounds like your kind of event - quick sprint across to the other side??

[GettingFaster]

well, Leprechaun, your signature says you stick to one-width races - this sounds like your kind of event - quick sprint across to the other side??

You have indeed got our Leppie sussed! But take care, the widths can be a bit odd - one width of the channel, one width of Tooting Bec Frozen Lido, that kind of thing. Well none of us ever claimed Leppie was anything other than stark raving bonkers.

[Leprechaun]

You have indeed got our Leppie sussed! But take care, the widths can be a bit odd - one width of the channel, one width of Tooting Bec Frozen Lido, that kind of thing. Well none of us ever claimed Leppie was anything other than stark raving bonkers.

As I said yesterday, if the logistics can be solved there is no problem coming up with the required level of madness (can feel a motto coming on). Madness may have something to do with the Guildford water or the taps in the bar - still doing heavy research on the latter.

I can't shake off the halo of madness but the "sea-swims only" is an unfair tag and I do like 50/100 breast and free and shortest IM in any clean,temperate, short, level pool that bans fast moving container ships (and isnt called Crystal Palace).

[Big Nev]

A friend of mine, Robin baynes organises it every year. He always asks me to swim. If I'm not doing anything else I usually do.

Nice to get away from all those turns.

As the crow flies it is about a 1500 metre swim. If you allow for the tide it works out about 1.5 miles. In 2002 we had to swim early as a large tanker was coming. Swam about 2.5 miles in the end due to the tidal current.

My old mates who do open water swimming regularly get a bit upset when I turn up and swim across pick up the trophy and head back home waving happily :king: :king: :king:

[KatieBun]

My old mates who do open water swimming regularly get a bit upset when I turn up and swim across pick up the trophy and head back home waving happily :king: :king: :king:
...Nev, how cruel....

[Leprechaun]

More sea swim courtesy Cork Masters..

City swim (ie along the river Lee that runs through it)
Island Challenge

http://www.corkmasters.ie/html/challenge.htm

Looks like local Masters all join in, not just open water specialists. If you look at the instructions you can see whats allowed in terms of contact - kicking pulling gouging and all that. At least you know now!

The challenge is not just the swims, but the hospitality afterwards...

[Spidey]

Did this event take place in 2005?

[Big Nev]

It did but not in the usual format.

Liverpool coastguard make it increasingly difficult every year.

[Big Nev]

Anyone wanting info on Mersey swim should phone: Robin 017048 34440

[Wildswimmer]

Date has been announced.

Swim takes place on Sat. 12th August, from Liverpool Albert Dock to Birkenhead Monk's Ferry (ie usual format). Start time 2.00pm.

Details and application forms from the organiser Martina Corrin, contact no: 0151-644 7576 (evenings up to 9). This event is liable to be oversubscribed so you need to get your application in pronto!

More sea-kayakers are needed for marshalling etc. so if you can bring along a canoeist or three all the better!

Wildswimmer Pete

[Wildswimmer]

Well, I've sent in my application and fee so hopefully I'll be diving in at the Albert Dock this coming Saturday. And doing an Eddie the Eagle by finishing last.

I've done a mile in the R. Weaver today and I intend to do at least that every day now until The Great Day. (Thoughts of that old song "High Hopes")
I didn't train through July beacuse a.) the water was too warm and b.) I couldn't be Rsed - yes I know, Bad Attitude.

Better start eating the pasta, potatoes and bananas (I already have three Shredded Wheat for breakfast!).

Will there be any other Swimclubbers there? Preferably someone who'll chase me in a speedboat with a cattle prod aimed at my Speedos.

Pete

[Wildswimmer]

Just been notified by Martina: it's off.:cry:

The decision to cancel was very reluctantly made last night as they've had problems with obtaining enough safety cover. The Mersey has very strong tidal flows, second only to the Bristol Channel and R. Severn.

Pete

[e-fitz]

seems to be the trend this year....the Menai pier to pier was cancelled at the last minute because of unfavourable conditions and advice received from the coastguard that it would be too dangerous for the canoes - though it would probably have been ok for the swimmers..

In the event, several of us took to the water (we had already changed and greased up etc... so seemed pointless not to..) and quickly discovered, to my mind, a much bigger threat than a bit of wind and rain - jellyfish...There were millions of them..and their stings were a whole lot worse than I expected, despite a vinegar shower on the beach. I think they may have been some mutant variety breeding in the cooling waters from the nuclear power station at Wylfa...

[Wildswimmer]

a much bigger threat than a bit of wind and rain - jellyfish...There were millions of them..and their stings were a whole lot worse than I expected, despite a vinegar shower on the beach. I think they may have been some mutant variety breeding in the cooling waters from the nuclear power station at Wylfa...

Sounds like you came across some Lion's Manes. These barstewards are big (bin-lid sized) with 9 foot tentacles, and boy do they sting. I had to be treated in A&E after one of them got me in New Brighton, and was ill for a couple of weeks afterwards - allergic reaction apparently. Vinegar doesn't seem to work, anti-histamine tabs and cream are the order of the day.

The Mersey regularly swarms with our familiar, harmless little Moon jellies, but it's only recently we've been invaded by Lion's Manes and the lifeguards have been run off their feet treating victims of stinging.

Another unwelcome visitor has made its appearance in Liverpool Bay: weeverfish. Up to now these have only been found to any extent in Cardigan Bay and points south, but they've now moved northwards.

Nearer home, when the Mersey was little more than an open sewer, you may have had an Admiral Brown or three float past under your nose, but at least you didn't risk being stung/bitten/eaten/otherwise molested by the marine wildlife.:aarrgghh:

Warmer, cleaner waters do seem to have a bit of a downside.

Pete