Safety 'key to survival' when open water swimming

Jason Quiterio said safety was a major factor when he swam the English Channel

A swimming coach has urged other swimmers not to risk their lives by straying out of designated bathing areas.

It follows a similar call by harbour commissioners in Plymouth, Devon, after two swimmers were spotted in the Cattewater - a designated shipping channel.

Open water swimmer and coach Jason Quiterio said: "There are some much bigger visitors in these waters - ships, boats, even the occasional military vessel.

"And even if they can see you, they're not exactly nimble when it comes to stopping."

Mr Quiterio said he learned the safety message the "hard way" himself many years ago when he drifted into the Cattewater.

"When I was very young, I made the error of swimming into that area with a friend.

"A police boat came along side us and the officers said a massive tanker was coming along. We managed to get out of the way just in time. Swimming into a shipping lane is just dangerous."

The open water swimmer, who also coaches at Cornwall's Caradon Swimming Club and Ace Swimming based at the Royal William Yard in Plymouth, said it was essential to stay inside the designated swimming areas and to be as a visible as possible.

"Wear a bright coloured hat and always use a tow float," he added.

'Military port'

Mr Quiterio said he swam the English Channel in 2021 when he dodged jelly fish and excruciating cramp to make the 12-hour crossing from Dover to France.

He said it was essential to make the crossing accompanied by a pilot boat as swimmers were impossible for ships' crews to see in a major shipping lane.

Designated swimming spots in Plymouth Sound are marked with seasonal marker buoys and include Bovisand Bay, Crownhill Bay, Cawsand Bay, Firestone Bay and Tinside East.

Plymouth harbour master Captain Richard Allan said signs warned swimmers of areas where they should not be swimming.

"This is a military port and military vessels have priority over the commercial vessels, but the commercial vessels, just as naval vessels, will struggle to see swimmers in front of them," he said.

" We have some laws at our disposal, if those are violated there are penalties which could include court appearance and fines."