History Of English Channel Swimming

When thinking about swimming feats, the English channel swim always comes first to mind. At its shortest point, the distance between the English and French coastlines is only 22 miles, but a combination of cold and strong currents mean that only 10% of people who attempt this feat actually make it to the other side.

The first channel attempt was by J.B Johnson, who had to pull out after just over an hour. Three years later, Paul Boyton made it to the other side using a special prototype buoyancy suit. However the first unaided swim went to Captain Matthew Webb, who swam from Dover to Calais in 21 hours and 45 minutes on his second attempt.

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