Children's author to attempt swimming length of River Avon in a mermaid tail

A children's author from the West Country is planning to swim the length of the River Avon this autumn whilst wearing a mermaid tail, to raise awareness of water quality.

Bristol's Lindsey Cole is hoping to break a world record for the longest swim whilst wearing a monofin.

In 2018, Lindsey swam the length of the River Thames to raise awareness about plastic pollution.

She has been reflecting on her journey as she prepares for her latest challenge: "I've always believed in the power of storytelling and adventure to inspire change.

"Through my swims and books, I hope to raise awareness and encourage others to protect our precious waterways."

Weather depending, she plans to take on the swim on Sunday 28th September.

This ambitious endeavour will see her 'mermaid' the length of the Bristol Avon in a continuous 24-hour swim.

Supported by a dedicated team of friends in canoes, the swim promises to be testament to Lindsey’s endurance and commitment to environmental causes.

Ahead of her world record attempt, Lindsey will take her children’s show, 'The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo', inspired by a previous swim across the Bristol Channel, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Last year, she swam from Wales to Clevedon in a mermaid tail, towing a symbolic big poo to highlight the need for clean waters.

This adventure was immortalised in her children’s book of the same name, which she has now adapted into an educational performance.

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