Cowes RNLI Volunteer Completes Fundraising Swim Across The Solent

Crys O'Connell, Cowes RNLI volunteer and RNLI administrator, swam across the Solent on Saturday morning to raise money for West Wight Sports & Community Centre.

The Solent swim is West Wight Sports & Community Centre’s flagship fundraiser, and takes place every year.

Supported by a fleet of volunteer kayakers, support boats, and beach spotters, a team of swimmers aim to raise over £20,000 total.

The proceeds will be used to support the community work of the Centre and ensure it can continue to operate.

The mile and a half swim, from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay, is both a personal challenge and a race against the tide.

The strong Solent tides mean there is only a very small window when the current is sufficiently low to allow the swim. 

Crys has been training for the swim since January, and has previous experience with similar challenges, having completed the Bournemouth Pier-to-Pier swim raising money for the British Heart Foundation in 2017.

Crys said:

“Swimming has always been part of my life, learning from an early age, progressing to swim squads and then becoming a lifeguard, swimming teacher and lifeguard trainer.

"My work with the RNLI, as a volunteer as well as a member of staff, has continued to prove to me the importance of this life-saving skill.

"I am raising funds for this amazing community facility so that others can have the opportunities I did to learn to swim and enjoy the water safely.”

Crys completed the swim in 46 minutes, alongside 50 other swimmers fundraising for the same cause.

Her fundraiser has already raised £430 – £130 above her initial target. Supporters can donate at this link until 30 September.