Dorset 'human fish' planning swim around Greek island

Oly Rush raises awareness of plastic pollution in our oceans

Oly has completed all sorts of epic swimming challenges to raise awareness of plastic pollution in our oceans
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 25th Aug 2023

Dorset’s so-called ‘human fish’ and world record holder, Oly Rush, is preparing for a 24 hour swim around the Greek Island of Ithaca.

The 60km (40 mile) effort will also see Oly, from Upton, encountering potential dangers from jellyfish, so he'll have 'spotter' boats looking out for him and them.

Previous challenges have seen Oly swim the length of the Jurassic Coast, become the fastest person to swim around the Isle of Wight and the first person ever to swim around Grand Cayman.

His swims aim to raise awareness, and money, for projects to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans, and keep beaches clean.

Oly said:

“When the mayor of Ithaca heard about the swim he offered me accommodation!

“The sea there is around the island about 28 degrees, which compares with 17 degrees in the water where I’ve been training.

“The main dangers are sunburn, exhaustion and jellyfish, which at certain times of the year are found in large numbers. But I have a really professional team and hopefully we can raise plenty of money for the two good causes.

“I am lucky in that I can combine my hobby, which is swimming, with my passion, which is helping better protect the oceans.”

Oly’s swim is planned to take place on Monday 4th September, although if conditions aren’t right it could be delayed for a few days.

You can track his efforts on the www.projectplanet.earth website, and support his fundraising online too.

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