Waterways campaigner Lindsey Cole was forced to abandon her attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest distance swum using a monofin after an early onset of “excruciating” hip pain and cold on Saturday.
Ms. Cole, 42, from Bristol, had aimed to surpass the current record of 50km (31 miles) at the West Country Water Park. Using a monofin, a single, mermaid-like fin that requires powerful, undulating body movements, she was attempting the gruelling swim to raise awareness and funds for cleaner waterways.
The ‘Mermaid’ campaigner began her challenge at 05:30 BST and had anticipated a 15-hour effort, finishing around 20:00. However, the attempt was cut short just before noon, ending at 11:45.
Ms. Cole described the pain as something she had “never experienced before” and said she had to “engage with it every kick.” As she was forced to slow her pace due to the hip injury, the cold water began to take its toll, making continuation impossible.
Despite the setback, the swim, which was raising money for charities including Surfers Against Sewage and Open Minds Active, highlighted Ms. Cole’s ongoing commitment to environmental causes. She previously gained recognition for swimming the length of the River Thames in a monofin to protest plastic pollution.
Ms. Cole stated that the challenge was all about “inspiring people to fall in love with their local river,” and she was “blown away by the support of friends who came down” to cheer her on. A future attempt is yet to be announced.
