Water campaigner attempts world record swim near Bristol

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Alexandra BassinghamBristol

BBC Lindsey Cole sitting on the edge of a lake, wearing a black wetsuit with grey detail on the arms and chest, holding a monofin with blue, black and dark green detail on the fin. There is a blue snorkel on the entry platform beside her and she is wearing a swimming hat and goggles which are on the top of her head. The water is in front and to the side of her, with trees in the background, surrounding the water. BBC

Campaigner Lindsey Cole is aiming to beat the current world record of 50km (31 miles), swum in 15 hours

A woman who campaigns for cleaner waterways is attempting to set a new world record for the longest distance swum using a monofin.

Lindsey Cole, 42, from Bristol, is aiming to beat the current Guinness World Record of 50km (31 miles), which was completed in 15 hours.

A monofin is a type of fin worn on the feet and typically used in underwater sports.

Ms Cole said she will take on the challenge on Sunday, which will see her swim continuously at the West Country Water Park, to hopefully “inspire people to fall in love with their local river and care for it”.

“I have a feeling somewhere inside me that I’m capable of doing it, so I would be incredibly proud of myself if I was to achieve a world record,” she added.

The record attempt will take place to mark World Rivers Day.

Ms Cole said she will be starting the swim at about 04:00 BST and aims to finish some time after sunset.

Ms Cole will receive help from about 20 friends and supporters who will be keeping her safe, checking the swim is continuous, and giving her food and fluids which she will have to take in while swimming.

“This challenge is incredibly difficult, and I’ll admit, I really do not want to do it,” she added.

“To be going round in circles for double digits, pretty much a whole day, starting so early, is not going to be a highlight of my life.”

Ms Cole in the water, completely submerged but for the tips of her monofin and the back of her head. Her snorkel tip is out of the water and she is blowing out water from it. Her movement in the water is making a wave and there are ripples from that. The water looks a slightly dark green colour.

Ms Cole will be using a monofin and snorkel for her challenge

Ms Cole is also fundraising for Surfers Against Sewage, Bristol mental and wellbeing charity Open Minds Active and the Flying Seagull Project, which uses play to entertain children in refugee camps.

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