Open water swimming can be 'life's greatest reward'

A man from Jersey who gave up long distance swimming for 30 years before coming back to swim both the English Channel and the North Channel has written a memoir of the experience.

Graeme Lowe gave up the sport at 13 but returned to it in his 40s and went on to complete some of the world's best-known open water swims such as the English Channel, Catalina Channel, Round Manhattan and the North Channel.

His new book called, A Life Well Swum, explores the doubts and decisions that come with the challenges and highlights the teamwork, trust, and decisions during the swims.

He said the book became "more about life" than swimming and hoped it would inspire others to take a dip.

The book will be published on Tuesday, to mark the 151st anniversary of captain Matthew Webb's first successful swim across the English Channel.

It follows Lowe's journey of training, and at the age of 50, became the oldest person to complete the North Channel at the time.

He said the book did not focus on individual triumph, but rather showed "that it is never too late to push your limits, and that life's greatest rewards often begin with the decision to dive in".

Lowe said he intended the write a practical book for swimmers but said he found himself writing about relying on others, risking failure and training his body beyond its limits.

"The book is about my love of swimming in the sea" he added.

"I hope it inspires readers to dive in and discover that joy for themselves, even if it's just for a five-minute dip."

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