Aquathlon ’. The trophy was donated by Liverpool Heartbeat Charity . The winner of both 2010 and 2011 events was a young Spanish boy , Jullio Novarro Lopez , who at the time was attending Liverpool College studying English . Permission was sought from his guardians and college for him to enter the event .
With a growing junior interest in the Across Mersey Swim , 2011 again saw three generations of the Hanlon family take to the waves . It was a proud day for me to swim alongside my dad , uncle , brothers , cousins , friends and my daughters , Kiera Rose , 13 , and her younger sister Caitlin Rae , 11 , became the youngest ever swimmer to successfully swim the mighty Mersey . This achievement overshadowed some other great performances that day , including the youngest male swimmer to make a successful crossing , 14 years old Tom Roberts .
In 2012 , the year that saw London host the Olympic Games , Liverpool Heartbeat hosted the John Hulley Liverpool Olympic Festival , involving over 30 sporting events for young people , including the Across Mersey Swim . The winner in 2012 was Gary Munsey .
2013 saw the highest number of entries ; with 86 carefully selected swimmers start the swim , and 84 reaching the finish - making it the most successful swim in its history . The Across Mersey Swim was won by Alan Wolfarth for the second time . Alan ’ s other win was in 2011 but he did not complete the Aquathlon and swimmer Joe Kerrigann , 77 , became the oldest swimmer to complete the crossing . We also had a number of disabled swimmers successfully completing the swim .
The tri-4-life team also featured again in 2013 in preparation for their upcoming Arch to Arc challenge . This time with a single six man Channel relay team . The swim was also taking on a real family feeling with a number of father & son and dad & daughter combinations . Brian & Charlotte Henners , Dave & Georgia Roberts , Dave & Phil Walton , Paul & John Thelwell and an array of Hanlon family combinations .
The swim was cancelled in 2014 due to lack of safety cover . Pressure from Liverpool City Council and changes to its Health and Safety Policy created changes that would impact the future format of the swim . An alternative swim was arranged in the Queens Dock for 2014 . The voluntary attendance we had enjoyed from the canoeing community were prevented from taking part by their National Governing Body ruling , who stated that the insurance cover of any volunteer supporting the swim would be deemed invalid . Without the canoe clubs to help with safety cover , the 2015 Across Mersey Swim was reformatted to be swum in pods , supported by Kevin Gerrard and the RHIB crews of the Diving Clubs of Liverpool , Ormskirk , Southport and Shrewsbury . 5 pods , with 6 swimmers of equal ability in each pod . Different coloured swim hats were worn to distinguish the pods from one another .
2015 also saw the Across Mersey Swim included as a major section of the BBC 1 documentary SEA CITIES Liverpool . This presented a real insight into the challenges and factors that affect the swim , the motivation and mind-set of the swimmers and why the mighty Mersey remains an unpredictable swimming enigma . Top female swimmer Zoe Brunton was first to reach Monks Ferry , whilst others were stung by sea bees , suffered hypothermia and caught on the wrong side of the Mersey ’ s unforgiving tide . Mersey swimming legend Dave Sandman holds the record for the most crossings , having swam ‘ The Across Mersey Swim ’ 14 times and has been an avid fundraiser swimming for many charities including , Liverpool Heartbeat , Water Aid , New Born Appeal and The British Heart Foundation .
And so ... as this new chapter of ‘ The Across Mersey Swim ’ journeys towards its 25th Anniversary creating its own place in our sporting culture and history , Liam Hanlon , Jim Tinsley , Robin Baynes & Bob Jones together with all the supporting elements and safety cover required for a successful swim , will continue to wave the flag and seek support from all parties responsible for the access and safe use of our River to create a legacy for the now infamous ‘ Across Mersey Swim ’ for generations to come . Since 1863 , the mighty Mersey tide has continued to ebb and flow , and swimmers have continued to gaze across the grey waters in awe of this iconic challenge that is The Across Mersey Swim .
For further information , contact Liam Hanlon 07966 529133 .
* Please note that individuals should not attempt to swim the Mersey as it can be dangerous . If you would like to take part in an organised and safe swim , please call Liam .
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