On Friday evening, 17th July, Brockwell Swimmers joined the South London Swimming Club SLSC (Tooting Bec Lido) to swim their annual Thames Mile from Kingston Bridge to Teddington. This was a first for many, and luckily the conditions were perfect.

The event has been running on and off since 1922 and is now exceedingly well organised with the cooperation of the Teddington Canoe Club. The course was marked out with buoys during the afternoon and volunteers from the club marshal the race in canoes.

We all met at the canoe club and following the health and safety briefing we set off in taxis, in costume, for Kingston Bridge where we somewhat surprised the passing commuters on their way home seeing a bunch of semi-naked people just about to jump into the Thames. Then it was all in, whistle blown and 46 of us setting off for Teddington.

The water was not as clean as our beloved Lido, but was ‘lager’ rather than ‘guiness’ clear with only a slight tang of diesel together with the earthy taste of river water. While some swimmers set off at a pace many chose a more sedate heads up breast stroke determined to make the most of peering into the posh gardens along the bank. This was also reciprocated with many onlookers cheering us on our way.

Rounding the final bend there was the tempting smell of the club barbecue to spur us on to the finish line after a most enjoyable swim. And with the current in our favour, this was probably the fastest mile any of  us will ever swim!

Thanks South London Swimming Club for hosting a fantastic evening.