DISABLED SWIMMER COMPLETES AMAZING ROBBEN ISLAND DOUBLE CROSSING  

Lydia Goldswain

Lydia Goldswain (43) today completed a double Robben Island swim crossing, swimming from Bloubergstrand to Robben Island , and back to Blouberg. The total distance of the swim is 15km. Lydia , who lives in Table View, has spastic diplegia, which hampers her ability to walk. No other woman has done the Robben Island – Blouberg double crossing (although the Robben Island – Three Anchor Bay double crossing has been done by females). Lydia completed the record double in a time of 8h26 (the first leg took her 4h23), after she started.

The swim was done under the auspices of Cape Long Distance Swimming Association (CLDSA). Daantjie Truter piloted the support boat, Cavalier, and Barry Cutler, from the CLDSA, was the official. The water temperature ranged between 14,5 and 16 degrees Celsius.

Lydia and Barry Cutler

Barry Cutler swam the last 500m to the island with Lydia , to help guide her through kelp and waves. They spend a few minutes on the island (according to open water swimming rules a swimmer is allowed to spend no more than 10 minutes on land between legs), and Lydia tackled the next leg. “ Lydia did amazingly well”, said Cutler. “Conditions became quite rough and choppy halfway through the second leg, but she just hung in there. She has a very strong mind, and has humbled many many people. What she has done today is nothing short of remarkable.”

Lydia will attempt to cross the English Channel (34km) this July. This will be a complicated operation as she needs around 20 hours for the swim, and she will have to battle currents, tides and the British weather in the process. Cutler will once again accompany Lydia on this attempt.

CONTACTS
For more information on today’s swim, contact:
Barry Cutler (CLDSA) on 082 579 6400
Lydia Goldswain can be contacted on 083 5945 026 (before 20:00 )

Lydia and Joyce, her housekeeper

Photos by Steven Klugman