Channel swim donation for Coastwatchers

When National Coastwatch Fleetwood volunteer Watchkeepers at Rossall Tower were asked to keep a safety check on a local swimmer, whilst training off the beach at Fleetwood, they had little idea the training was for an attempt to swim the English Channel

Emma Truscott, a member of Fleetwood Swimming Club, decided to attempt the 22-mile-long distance swim over three years ago. Training started in earnest and because of Coronavirus restrictions, it was almost cancelled. But in the last minute, she got the green light to attempt the swim.

In a fantastic show of gratitude to the Watchkeepers who looked after her during her training, she decided to raise funds for National Coastwatch Fleetwood, based at Rossall Tower.

Emma’s swim lasted around 10 hours and unfortunately, several miles from France, she had to concede defeat, because of the detrimental effects of salt in her mouth.

Nevertheless, she presented a cheque for £260.91 to Brian Johnson, a volunteer Watchkeeper with National Coastwatch Fleetwood.

Brian Johnson, from NCI Fleetwood said ‘I was watching Emma training one day and realised she was being followed by our local seal ! I decided not to inform her though, in case it scared her. Emma’s a brave lass for even attempting the swim and we are really appreciative of her fundraising on our behalf.’